The exhibition presents 141 unique works of the Russian Imperial Glass Factory from the collection of the Ceramics and Glass Department of the State Historical Museum. These are glasses, cups, stacks, wine glasses, shot glasses, mugs, glasses, candlesticks, vases for various purposes, jugs, damask, compote bowl, punch mugs, dessert glasses, plates, dishes, trays, rinsing bowls, decanters, ink device, Easter eggs, as well as a unique crystal altar cross.

The Ceramics Department’s fund is more than 130 years old, it is based on collections donated by outstanding Russian collectors P. I. Shchukin and A. I. Bakhrushin. The State Historical Museum collection of Russian glass is one of the three largest collections in Russia.

Most of the works presented at the exhibition were made according to the orders of the Russian Imperial Court. They were used in numerous palaces of members of the Russian Imperial House as serving items and interior decorations, were an obligatory part of the dowry of grand dukes and princesses, were a sign of the highest status for their owners from aristocratic families.

The designs of the products of the Russian Imperial Glass Factory were developed by leading artists of their time, and the finished works have always been distinguished for impeccable craftsmanship and style, which rightfully makes the Russian Imperial Glass Factory the “trendsetter” of Russian glassmaking.

The Russian Imperial Glass Factory was also a constant participant in all-Russian and world exhibitions. The exhibition presents works of special quality, which were specially created by the masters of the plant to demonstrate the achievements of Russia in this industrial sector.

The exhibited products of the Russian Imperial Glass Factory tell about the difficult history of the enterprise that made up the glory of Russian artistic glassmaking, illustrate the technological and artistic achievements of the imperial glassmakers.

The exhibition also presents lithographs, engravings, etchings; these are mainly portraits of representatives of the Russian imperial family, who owned the factory and placed individual orders at the enterprise.

The exhibition runs from November 4, 2023 to April 1, 2024.