The Museum of Russian Art in south Minneapolis isn't holding back when it comes to sharing how they feel about Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
In one social media post, the museum writes, "The Museum of Russian Art stands with the people of Ukraine and urges Russia to cease hostilities immediately and withdraw."
The museum, located at 5500 Stevens Avenue South has also erected a blue and yellow display which resembles the Ukrainian flag.
"We're here to promote art, culture, and the things in humanity that bring us together," said Mark Meister, the Executive Director at the Museum of Russian Art. "We're absolutely opposed to anything that works against that."
The museum is the only has a permanent collection of over 7000 works and Russian art from major collections in the U.S. and abroad. In fact, it's the only museum in North America devoted to exploring the art and culture of Muscovite Russia, the Russian Empire, the Soviet Union, its former republics, and post-Soviet Russia.
"The museum covers the artwork of all of the countries formed out of the former Soviet Union," Meister said. "Russia is just an overarching name."
The overall response to the museum taking a stance against Russia has been positive according to Meister.
"We have had visitors since the invasion began," he said. "People have continued to come and perhaps some people have come in for the first time being curious because they've heard about us for taking a stand."
Part of the museum's extensive collection is from Ukraine.
"We received a collection of about 111 mega-paintings several years ago that have been exhibited at the museum," added Meister.
One of the museum's exhibits for Black History Month tells the story of 22 African Americans who were recruited for the Soviet film Black and White in 1932. Of the individuals recruited for the film was Homer Smith Jr. of Minneapolis.
Smith Jr. studied journalism at the University of Minnesota and later became a war correspondent for the Associated Negro Press after Germany invadedthe Soviet Union in 1941.
"We're going to continue to do what we do and I think creating that understanding of different cultures just makes people realize essentially that we're all the same. It can bring people closer to their ancestors. So many people are looking for that these days."
The Museum of Russian Art will soon provide links for people to donate to four accredited organizations that are providing aid to Ukraine.
