Two Theatres

Russia presents two projects: the project for the reconstruction of the Mariinski Theatre in St. Petersburg, and the project for the reconstruction of the Bolshoy Theatre in Moscow. The Federal Government of Russia for the first time in the post-Soviet history has firmly decided to finance large-scale construction projects focused on culture.

A group led by Moscow architect Mikhail Khazanov created the project for the Bolshoy Theatre. This design has been approved and will definitely be realized. The project for the Mariinski Theatre was created by Californian architect Eric Owen Moss. The sole fact that this project has been proposed for St. Petersburg has set a new dimension in the whole problem of modern architecture in Russia and has provoked a stormy and - at it's highest level - fruitful debate.

The Bolshoy and the Mariinski were Theatres of the Russia Imperor. The Soviets preserved in time their “court” status; they served as symbols of the blossom of culture in the totalitarian State. Today the Bolshoy and the Mariinski are still the most precious part of our national heritage, but their central position should be interpreted in concordance with the new situation of democracy.

The reconstruction of the Bolshoy is driven by the ideology of conservation, and the organic continuation of historic tradition. The outcome will be the same Bolshoy Theatre, but larger, better, and more mighty. The skilful job done by Mikhail Khazanov (in cooperation with Mikhail Belov and Nikita Shangin) is hidden; the theatre is thoroughly revised, but on the surface one does not notice much. This central cultural symbol has to remain equal to itself - including the fact that it has to keep operating during this major reconstruction, which presents a unique task for the architects.

The reconstruction of the Mariinski is driven by the ideology of explosion. Moss erects a new construction that collides in every sense with the old theatre. Its appearance, in essence, differs from the traditional image of the Mariinski, St. Petersburg and all Russian architecture in general. It is a deliberate breakthrough to another space - that of modern architecture, courageous and unique.

Immense projects of the Bolshoy and the Mariinski reflect not only their history, but also the spirit of times. Comparison of these two projects is actually contradistinction Moscow and St. Petersburg, not simply as two capitals, but as two strategies of Russian culture. A history of Russia over the last three centuries represents the constant oscillation between them.

One strategy is described as adherence to the historical tradition and preservation of one's own identity. It is bound with Moscow, where the reconstruction of the Bolshoy is taking place. The other strategy implies openness to the West, self-identification with European civilization, and living in the present. This is St. Petersburg, where the Mariinski is being dramatically expanded into the future. Today the first strategy appears more successful because when it comes to maintenance of the national identity it is much easier to achieve a public consensus. But tomorrow the grounds for agreement could produce quite a surprise.