Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens celebrates the arrival of spring in traditional Russian style with the annual Fabergé Egg Family Festival on Saturday, March 15, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, March 16, 1-5 p.m. A variety of programs, activities and tours, including egg decorating in “Fabergé’s Workshop,” highlights this annual weekend event.
Tsar Alexander III first commissioned a Fabergé Easter egg for his wife in 1885, initiating an extraordinary series of imperial Easter egg gifts that lasted for over 30 years. Two of these imperial eggs, both gifts from Russia’s last tsar, Nicholas II, to his mother, are part of Hillwood’s notable Fabergé holdings and serve as inspiration for the weekend’s festivities.
The art of Fabergé-inspired eggs is showcased in the display “Passion, Playfulness, Process: Decorated Eggs” by Bonnie Mapelli. After exploring these fanciful eggs, young artisans can step into “Fabergé’s Workshop” to create their own decorative eggs in the style of Fabergé. Russian Easter traditions, imperial history, and stories about the fabulous Fabergé eggs will come to life through the costumed interpreter portraying Tsar Nicholoas II and performances by storyteller, Arianna Ross.
Samovar Russian Folk Music Ensemble will perform on traditional instruments, including the balalaika, accordion, domra and guitar.