`The Diamond Vehicle. Buddhist Art of Russia.` Exhibition

Until 1 November 2026

A large-scale exhibition at the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts explores the complex and vibrant visual culture of Buddhism, the oldest of the world’s three major religions, and recreates the ‘polyphony’ of Buddhist temples of the Russian Empire, where works from Chinese, Tibetan, Mongolian and local schools could be seen side by side. The exhibition offers an insight into the conceptual dimension of this primarily religious art, exploring key figures of the Buddhist universe, the role of images in rituals and practices and the techniques behind the creation of sacred images.

The display features more than 700 exhibits, including previously unseen statues and paintings from the Pushkin Museum’s collection, as well as masterpieces from regional museums – unique works that are rare even within the wider Buddhist world. Alongside sculpture and painting, the exhibition presents masks, costumes, musical instruments, amulets and ritual objects.

Address: Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts, 12 Volkhonka Street

Find out more on the official website of the Pushkin Museum.