Moscow Kremlin Museum Exhibition in Abu Dhabi opens

The Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture & Heritage (ADACH) hosts a unique and exclusive exhibition of historical artefacts on loan by the Moscow Kremlin Museums.

The exhibition entitled "The Arsenal of the Russian Tsars: Treasures of the Moscow Kremlin Museums", is organized under the Patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates. Several of the precious exhibited objects have never left the Kremlin grounds, not even in Russia itself; thus confirming the significance for this cultural initiative.

In addition, a specialised team of Russian, international and local experts have been working for several months to prepare for this exhibition from the selection of objects to the actual design of the exhibition hall where they will be housed.

His Excellency Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture & Heritage said: "On this occasion, I would like to highlight that we at ADACH are working in light of the directives of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to encourage cross-cultural relations and strengthen Abu Dhabi's position as a cultural meeting point between Eastern and Western cultures. We are confident that the Exhibition of the Moscow Kremlin Museums Treasures will contribute to augmenting cultural exchanges between the UAE and the Russian Federation. Imminently, we at ADACH will unveil a multitude of cultural events and initiatives that will undoubtedly place Abu Dhabi on the international cultural stage."

His Excellency Mohamed Khalaf Al Mazrouie, Director General of ADACH, commented: "The Moscow Kremlin Museums arrive in the UAE's capital today to showcase some of their dearest belongings for the first time ever outside of Russia. We sincerely believe that such a momentous event will contribute in creating a cultural movement in this region along with strengthening the cultural ties between the UAE and the Russian Federation. We direct our utmost and sincere gratitude and thanks to the Russian authorities who have put in arduous effort in not only organizing and making this event possible, but also, a success."

More than 100 objects have been carefully air-freighted from the Kremlin Museums in central Moscow under the watchful eye of Dr. Elena Gagarina, the Museums' Director General. These items include:

A Jericho Cap (royal ceremonial helmet) made in Istanbul during the late 16th century carrying inscriptions from the holy Koran
A rare suit of plate armour made for Tsar Mikhail Feodorovich in 1616, consisting of 36 polished metal plates
The sabre and scabbard of the Grand Attire: manufactured in Istanbul sometime before 1656, this sabre (sword) has a jade handle inlaid with gold, rubies and emeralds and has an Arabic inscription which reads: 'Spend your time in joy'. It is believed to have been one of Tsar Alexei Michailovich's principal sabres
A sabre and scabbard (sword holder) handmade in the UAE, a token of good will from the Late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and presented to Leonid Brezhnev in March 1982 by Sheikh Mubarak Al Nahyan.

"It is truly exciting to be bringing some of our prized collection to the UAE," Dr Gagarina commented. "The Kremlin Museums houses the world's foremost collection of Russian state regalia, and many of the items highlight the long-standing relationship between Russia and the Orient. We believe in Abu Dhabi's central role in the region in the field of culture. This has already been demonstrated in the enriching and grandiose projects announced and currently under execution by the Abu Dhabi Government.

The story behind the "Arsenal of the Russian: Treasures of the Moscow Kremlin Museums" unfolds in Gallery 1 at the Emirates Palace and is open from 10am-3pm and 6-9pm and from 10am-3pm and 9-11pm during Ramadan. The exhibition is free of charge and is open to all.