Louvre looks to boost Russian collection

The Louvre Museum in Paris is to undertake a business-backed initiative to increase its collection of Russian art. At present the world’s most visited museum holds only a small collection of religious icons from Russia. Speaking at the announcement in Paris on Wednesday, director of the Louvre, Henri Loyrette, said: “The lack of Russian art in the Louvre is absolutely shocking.”

The museum will collaborate with the Russo-French Chamber of Commerce on ways to make more Russian art available to the public. Tate, the UK national collection of art, also recently launched a dedicated acquisition committee for art from Russia and Eastern Europe.