Русская версия
The first architectural Biennale of the new century will show to the world community major cultural objects, whose emergence will be combined in the memory of the next generations with this chronological landmark. Thus we are facing a serious responsibility. The Russian exposition at the Biennale-2002 is centred around designs for the reconstruction of the country's two principal theatres, Moscow's Bolshoy and St.Petersburg's Mariinski. The greatest theatres have ever been symbols of their time and their countries. The Bolshoy and the Mariinsky are two of the most famous stages in the world; their foreign tours invariably become remarkable cultural events. Both theatres have rich, glorious traditions. It is not unimportant that the buildings themselves of these theatres are outstanding monuments. The preservation and maximization of this legacy, together with a care for the unique architectural appearance of both theatres is a task of state significance. Reconstruction of the two theatres is a vital task for the Russian State in the province of culture. The condition of the two chief theatres in our country in the new century will depend on that whether prompt and correct steps are taken. The interest that Russian society shows in projects for the reconstruction and in the future of the Bolshoy and Mariinski confirms the importance of this task. Since both theatres have the international significance it is no less important for us to attract the attention of the world community. The theatre has always been a place where the most varied spheres of art have been combined together and where cultures and traditions have interacted. The theatrical stage often turned into an architectural laboratory for artists-visionaries. Theatre buildings were constructed, as a rule, to be unique architectural objects. I hope the projects of the Russian exhibition presented here will be important statements in such cultural dialogue as the Biennale. I greet the participants and visitors of the 8th International Architectural Exhibition in Venice warmly.
Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation, Mikhail Shvydkoi
| Greetings | а |
Concept of the Russian exposition |
b |
Reconstruction: what? |
c |
Reconstruction: how? |
d |
| Reconstruction: who? |
e |
| Reconstruction commentary |
f |
| Authors |
g |
| Sponsors |
h |