SANTA FE, N.M. -- With its mix of Hispanic and Native American
cultures and Old West history it may come as a surprise that this
city is throwing a festival that may be one of the largest
celebrations of Russian art and culture ever held in the U.S.
But thousands of visitors are flocking to Santa Fe to learn
about Russian history and culture as part of a three-month-long
celebration of all things Russian. Major hotels in the city have
created packages in conjunction with the festival.
The centerpiece of the Russian Summer event is the world
premiere exhibit of the personal collection of Nicholas and
Alexandra, the last imperial rulers of Russia.
The exhibit, titled "Nicholas and Alexandra: At Home With the
Last Tsar and His Family," is on display at Santa Fe's Museum of
Fine Arts through Sept. 5. It features home movies, photos and 200
art objects, including a Faberge wedding icon, porcelain,
tapestries and paintings that belonged to the last royal family of
Russia.
Santa Fe is the exhibit's first stop on a three-city U.S. tour
that also includes Cincinnati and Newark.
"This has created a lot of excitement because of the popularity
of the czars," said a spokesman for the Santa Fe Convention and
Visitors Bureau.
"The interest in the story of their lives is still very
strong."
Santa Fe, which receives between 1.2 million and 1.4 million
overnight visitors each year, is expected to draw 10,000 to 15,000
people for the Russian exhibit and other events, he said.
The spokesman said the Russian Summer festival "got off to a
good start" on Memorial Day weekend when 6,000 people viewed the
exhibit. That number represents more visits than the Museum of Fine
Arts usually receives in an average month.
"The exhibit is getting rave reviews. It's an eye-popping thing
to see," he said.
In addition to the main exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts,
there are several art galleries in the city that are showcasing
works by Russian artists. Lectures about Russian history and art
are scheduled through September.
At Santa Fe's Palace of the Governors, an exhibit called "Faces
of Russia: Photography During the Reigns of Alexander III and
Nicholas II, 1881-1917" is on display until Sept. 19. It features
images of the czar and his family and life in Russia at the turn of
the last century.
"All over town, in galleries, restaurants, retailers and
performing arts centers, Russia is the theme this summer," the
spokesman said. "It really has brought a lot of different elements
in Santa Fe together in one festival."
About a dozen major hotels in Santa Fe created packages in
conjunction with Russian Summer.
Among them is two nights at the Inn of the Anasazi for $650 per
room, including museum passes for two people to seven museums in
the city, daily breakfast for two, a walking tour and welcome
refreshments.
Another plan is offered by RockResorts' La Posada de Santa Fe.
The two-night package includes a 50-minute massage per person,
daily breakfast, unlimited use of the fitness center and tickets to
the Museum of Fine Arts. The rate is $820 for a standard room, $900
for a deluxe room and $1,000 for a junior suite.
The Inn at Loretto's plan features an overnight stay in a
pueblo-style room with fireplace and a welcome refreshment of
Russian vodka and caviar for $229 per night.
More information is at the Web site www.russiansummer.com or from the Santa Fe Convention
and Visitors Bureau, (800) 777-2489 or on the Web at www.santafe.org.
To contact reporter Laura Del Rosso, send e-mail to [email protected].