The Museum has two distinct sets of scavenger hunts, one for visitors 6th grade and under and another for more advanced students. They are available at the front desk free of charge.

These are just some of the ways icons have been described:

• Visual Scriptures
• Windows to heaven, a door to the sacred
• The eyes of God
• A mirror of glory
• Holiness made visible
• Icons open the invisible door to God with all the regal colors of the earth
• They invite people to prayer

As they are a theology of color and design, icons speak their own language:

Green: can express new life
Blue: for the waters of baptism or a sign of heaven
Deep red: for the blood of Jesus
Gold: speaks of divinity and magnificence
White: indicates purity and God’s presence

An enlarged forehead denotes wisdom. Feet placed on pillows or a small platform indicates royalty. Mountains can suggest places where God’s presence is manifested (Mount Sinai, Mount Tabor, etc.) or they can symbolize one’s journey toward God. Out-stretched arms show strength. Hand on cheek shows grief.

Bishops have gospels
Martyrs have crosses
Prophets have scrolls

Museum of Russian Icons Scavenger Hunt

As you go through the museum, try to find these items:

1. What is the oldest icon on display?

2. What is the largest icon in the museum?

3. Who is the Patron Saint of Russia?

4. Who is the Patron Saint of Moscow?

5. Which image was hit by an arrow and is said to have wept?

6. What is the name of the icon where the “sin worm" can be found?

7. What is one of the largest monasteries in Russia?

8. Which type of icon has something in common with the Shroud of Turin and Veronica’s cloth?

9. Can you find something unique about one of the Mother of God icons?

10. What icon would you find in the center of the iconostasis above the Royal Door?

11. What is a Minyeia?

12. What did St. Nil use to help him stay awake to pray all night long?