This article discusses the main goals of organizing the first traveling art exhibitions in Russia and specific measures for their implementation by members of the Association of the Wanderers (“Peredvizhniki”). The borrowing by artists of the idea of the second half of 19th century holding traveling exhibitions in Western countries is noted. The implementation of such exhibitions in the Russian Empire was made possible largely due to the emergence of technical capabilities, namely the development of railway communication. Despite the fact that the Wanderers proclaimed as their goal the acquaintance of the provinces with the achievements of domestic art, they focused on the capitals and large cities of the empire. The analysis of exhibition attendance and the process of a gradual increase in the cities covered by the Wanderers is given. The ambiguous perception of the Partnership and their exhibitions in society is considered, which is reflected in the periodical press of that period of time. An analysis of sources and research on the topic led to the conclusion about the successful experience of the Partnership in organizing traveling exhibitions in Russia. In support of this is the fact of adopting the experience of holding exhibitions in a similar format at various levels, including the Imperial Academy of Arts.