This episode explores how the Icon Museum and Study Center preserves, studies, and shares the rich world of icons and Eastern Christian art. The conversation highlights the museum’s origins, its evolving collection, and its expanding global reach as it transitions from its founding era into a broader, international mission.
Guests:
Simon Morsink, Executive Director, Icon Museum and Study Center
Jack McCabe, Board President, Icon Museum and Study Center
Interview by: Mark Oppenheim
Key Points:
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The museum began with Gordon Lankton’s extensive collection of icons gathered over decades of travel to Russia.
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Early development included professionalizing operations under founding director Kent Russell, who shaped the museum’s public presence.
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After Lankton’s passing, the museum faced a pivotal transition requiring renewed vision and strategic planning.
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The institution rebranded from “Museum of Russian Icons” to “Icon Museum and Study Center” to reflect its expanded focus beyond Russian art.
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The museum recently opened a permanent Greek gallery to showcase its growing Greek icon collection.
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The board intentionally diversified its membership, adding international collectors, scholars, and iconographers.
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Simon Morsink brings a lifelong connection to icons, coming from a family of Dutch icon specialists and dealers.
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The museum now serves both local audiences and an international community of scholars, collectors, and enthusiasts.
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Its Study Center produces lectures, research, and publications—including an open-access journal—deepening global scholarship.
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Upcoming major exhibitions include a partnership with the Icon Museum in Recklinghausen, Germany, and a 2028 exhibition of American-held icons.
Other Points:
The Icon Museum’s evolution required deep soul-searching after its founder’s passing and during the geopolitical climate of the Russia–Ukraine war. Through collaborative planning, the museum clarified its strengths, audiences, and long-term mission, leading to a broadened identity and expanded collection.
The board formalized governance structures, performance reviews, and strategic priorities—professionalizing operations while maintaining the founder’s philosophy of honoring the “worth” of every individual. This culture continues to shape relationships with staff, visitors, and global partners.
The Study Center has become a central pillar of the institution, offering free-access scholarly publications, international conferences, and lectures that elevate global understanding of icons. This academic dimension complements the museum’s physical experience, where visitors encounter original works of art.
Community engagement remains a core focus. The museum draws diverse Orthodox communities—Greek, Russian, Serbian, Albanian, Ethiopian—and welcomes visitors of all backgrounds. Through art, history, and dialogue, the museum fosters reflection, connection, and cross-cultural understanding.