Modest Mussorgsky’s "Pictures at an Exhibition" is a celebrated piano suite composed in 1874, inspired by a memorial art exhibition of works by his late friend, artist Viktor Hartmann. The piece takes listeners on a musical journey through an art gallery, with each movement depicting a different artwork. Interspersed throughout the suite is the recurring "Promenade" theme, symbolizing the viewer (Mussorgsky himself) walking from one painting to the next. The suite captures a wide range of moods and scenes, from the eerie “Gnomus” and the majestic “Great Gate of Kiev” to the playful “Ballet of the Unhatched Chicks.”

Originally written for solo piano, Pictures at an Exhibition gained worldwide fame through Maurice Ravel’s brilliant orchestration, which added vibrant colour and dramatic depth. Today, it is widely performed in both piano and orchestral versions, admired for its vivid imagery, emotional range, and innovative structure. As a musical tribute to visual art, the suite stands as a unique fusion of music and painting, offering an immersive and imaginative listening experience.