Russia in Massachusetts? Visit the Museum of Russian Icons in Clinton

A few weeks ago, my wife Donna, son Luc and I set out for Clinton, Massachusetts to visit the Museum of Russian Icons. I had read about the museum for several years but this was our first visit. After a pleasant 40 minute drive north past Worcester we easily found the museum, located at 203 Union Street. The building itself is a harmonious combination of new and old construction with an entirely new, state of the art interior. Anyone who has visited local "museums" can appreciate that the term has many meaning ranging from sterile space to high tech, climate controlled environments and interactive displays. This is an accurate description of the Museum of Russian Icons — the creation of Gordon B. Lankton.  

To those who may not be familiar with icons, religious paintings of Christ, the Virgin Mary, saints and religious events — a visit will represent a steep, but enjoyable learning curve. To Eastern Orthodox, Eastern rite Catholics, and others it will be as close as many of us will come to visiting Russian or Greek monasteries and churches. Icons are considered to be "windows to heaven" and the displays and superb videos that are situationed throughout the museum communicate the story of icons through the centuries including efforts by Communists to destroy icons and erase religion in the former U.S.S.R..

Icons are synonymous with Russian history. Their design and creation are unique and the museum provides insight on that as well. The Museum of Russian Icons also hosts cultural events including musical performances in an accoustically superb auditorium.   

The museum is truly the labor of love of Mr. Lankton who first purchased an icon at a flea market in Moscow for the equivalent of $20 USD and now has the largest collection of Russian icons in North America and a leading collection outside of Russia. For more information, call 978-365-8151 or visit the museum's website at www.musuemofrussianicons.org.