A Thousand Nesting Dolls

The exhibition showcases TMORA’s unique collection of nesting dolls, the largest in this country. The display includes some of the earliest dolls ever created and traces the development of the craft through the 20th century. From village handiworks to artist-painted pieces, the artifacts on display present an astounding variety of styles and themes. 

TMORA acknowledges the exceptional gift of Robert J. Brokop, who dedicated his life to collecting handcrafted wooden toys, and donated thousands of Russian wooden nesting dolls to TMORA. Additionally, several dolls on display come from the gift of the family of Evelyn M. Ross. TMORA expresses its profound gratitude to all the collectors who, in recent years, donated their remarkable collections to TMORA.

The origin of the Russian nesting doll, also known as Matryoshka, is a matter of legends. Allegedly invented by a professional artist, the dolls became an instant success with collectors when they were displayed at the 1900 World’s Fair in Paris.  A thriving industry in its early, pre-revolutionary years, nesting doll production was brought under state control during the Soviet period. Made at state-run facilities across the vast country, Soviet Matryoshka dolls preserved the local character unique to every regional center of production. The 1990s became the Golden Age for the art and craft of Russian nesting dolls. In the turbulent times of the Soviet state collapse, humble wooden toys became a venue for the search for national and personal identity.