The message reads in part:
“Russia is rightly famous for an entire galaxy of talented researchers, archaeologists and art critics who founded the national school of Oriental studies, accomplished a great deal to continue and expand its legendary traditions and are sincerely dedicated to the mission of educating the public.
Their heroic and vitally important work made it possible to create a research basis for establishing a unique museum that primarily stores objects of Oriental art, as well as studies and popularises them.
Over the years, the museum has evolved into a major research and educational centre known far beyond Russia’s borders. It has become one of the most valuable landmarks of our immensely rich historical and cultural heritage.
The museum now employs extremely skilled specialists, organises fascinating lectures, guided tours and exhibitions that acquaint visitors with national customs and traditions of Oriental nations. And, of course, it is important that you always pay great attention to children and teenagers.”
Established on October 30, 1918, the museum ranks among the largest cultural and educational centres that represent the art of the Far East, the Middle East, as well as Central Asia, the Caucasus, the South Caucasus, Kazakhstan, Buryatia, Chukotka and other regions. In all, the museum has 147,500 artefacts. Its collection includes paintings, graphic art masterpieces, sculptures and applied art exhibits from over 100 countries, including Japan, China, Korea, Iran, India, Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia and Mongolia.