On 12 July 2024, 'The Elegance of Silver: Valuables of the Omani Court' was launched in the exhibition hall of the Patriarch's Palace, introducing visitors to masterpieces of the applied and decorative arts and culture of this eastern country.

This is the example of the first cooperation project between The Moscow Kremlin Museums and The National Museum — Sultanate of Oman.

The opening ceremony, which took place on 11 July, was honoured with the visit of Her Highness Sayyida Dr. Mona bint Fahd AlSaid, Assistant Vice-Chancellor for International Cooperation at Sultan Qaboos University, as well as the Special Representative of the Russian President for Environmental Protection, Ecology and Transport and Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Moscow Kremlin Museums Sergei Ivanov, Deputy Minister of Culture of Russia Vladimir Osintsev, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Alexander Pankin, Director General of The Moscow Kremlin Museums Elena Gagarina, and Secretary General of The National Museum — Sultanate of Oman H.E. Jamal bin Hassan al-Moosawi.

Opening the ceremony, Elena Gagarina, Director General of the Moscow Kremlin Museums, said, "This exhibition came from the wonderful National Museum and for the first time left the borders of its country. To understand the exceptional role of silver, which symbolises purity, wealth and prosperity in the history of Omani culture, it is important to note that it was used not only to make jewellery, but also the traditional khanjar dagger, which is depicted on the national emblem of Oman".

"The exhibition showcases Omani silver as a historically innovative brunch and focuses on some of the treasures that belonged to the Sultans of Oman in Muscat and Zanzibar. The works displayed here highlight the role of silver in Oman's cultural context, its luxury and elegance," Her Highness Sayyida Dr Muna Bent Fahad Al Said told guests. She also thanked the organisers of the exhibition for their efforts in making this project a success.

Sergey Ivanov, Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation, said, "In a sense, this project is historic – it is the first exhibition of Omani treasures in Moscow. Recently, relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the Russian Federation have been developing dynamically and positively in many spheres – political, economic and tourism. It is very encouraging that this is now taking place in the cultural sphere. I welcome the development of this cultural cooperation".

"The most striking and interesting pieces from the collection of the National Museum have been selected for the exhibition. An integral part of the symbolism of the Sultanate is the traditional Omani khanjar dagger , which is presented here. I am sure that acquaintance with the objects be it a necklace, a case for the Holy Qur'an or a ring, will give our visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the fascinating world of Omani culture," said Vladimir Osintsev, Deputy Minister of Culture.

Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Pankin added, "This is indeed a unique display, but it would not have happened if there had not been such progress between our countries in all directions – political, economic, humanitarian. We hope that this exhibition will not only attract a large number of people, but also interest many thousands of Russians to visit and see for themselves what this mysterious and somewhat fairy-tale country of Oman is all about".

"This exhibition is dedicated to the silver-related aspects of Oman's cultural heritage. It should be noted that the Sultanate of Oman is one of the oldest civilisations in the world, dating back about five thousand years, the history of its navy about four and a half thousand years and the history of its statehood more than two thousand years. The Second Omani Empire saw the emergence of Oman's new capital at Zanzibar – here we have the honour of showing objects from that era. We are happy to be present within the walls of the Moscow Kremlin Museums, it is a great honour for us," His Excellency Jamal bin Hassan Al Musawi told reporters.

The exhibition will run until 29 September 2024.