The Exhibition “Chic, Shine, Khokhloma” Opened under Support of NaftaGaz

A large exhibition titled “Chic, Shine. Khokhloma” has opened at the All-Russian Museum of Decorative Arts. It is dedicated to one of the most colorful and recognizable symbols of the Russian art. This project, exploring the past, present, and future of the famous craft, is implemented with the support of the Naftagaz Group, a long-term partner and the member of the Museum's Board of Trustees. In 2025, it was this bright and ambitions project, that company supported, continuing a long-term collaboration with the museum, lasting for more than five years.

The finest and the most recognizable "Russian style" is Khokhloma painting. Its rich combination of red and gold on a deep black background is impossible to confuse with anything else. The exhibition traces Khokhloma’s path from its origins in the 17th century to its status as a global brand, stated after successes at the World Exhibitions in Paris in 1889 and 1925. The unique artifacts from the 1925 exhibition, in the arrangement of which Alexander Rodchenko took part, have a special place within the first comprehensive installation.

The exposition is divided into several thematic areas. The “Laboratory” hall provides a detailed story of the craft’s development through sketches, photographs, and ornaments, demonstrating how the tradition has been reinterpreted over the times. A separate hall is dedicated to the golden collection of Khokhloma — the finest examples from the 1930s-60s, where the utilitarian objects are placed alongside the unique, works of authorship made for the major exhibitions.

A special section, “From the Thaw Minimalism to Modernity” vividly demonstrates how Khokhloma continues to inspire the contemporary designers. The exposition features elegant scarves and tableware from the “Khokhloma” brand in collaboration with Alena Akhmadulina, as well as refined art objects like electric lamps from the designer Olga Mikkova, proving that the traditional painting can be minimalistic and relevant for the modern interiors.

The Director of the Museum Tatyana Rybkina emphasizes:
"The exhibition “Chic, Shine, Khokhloma” was invented and developed by a young team, which makes it brave, light, somewhat ironic, but also very profound. There are over 3,000 Khokhloma items in our museum, and about 300 are presented here. The exhibition will be complemented by the items from private collections. We hope it will appeal to a wide audience. By the way, the museum’s plans include not only exhibitions, but also fashion shows and demonstrations of clothing by the designers who incorporate motifs of the traditional crafts."

The exhibition offers a fresh perspective on Khokhloma, allowing viewers to see it not as just a folk craft, but as a living, evolving form of art capable of surprising and inspiring.