The foundation stone for the construction of the Bolshoi Theater and the Tretyakov Gallery was laid in Kaliningrad

The laying of the foundation stone of the State Bolshoi Academic Theater of Russia and the State Tretyakov Gallery took place on 25.02.2020 in Kaliningrad at the site of the future cultural, educational and museum complexes, the construction of which is being carried out by Stroytransgaz JSC.

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The ground-breaking ceremony was attended by the Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation Olga Lyubimova, Governor of the Kaliningrad Region Anton Alikhanov, head of the State Tretyakov Gallery Zelfira Tregulova, head of the Bolshoi Theater Vladimir Urin, president of the National Cultural Heritage Fund Natalia Volynskaya, general director of Stroytransgaz Mikhail Khryapov, deputy Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Russian Federation in the NWFD Roman Balashov and Chief Federal Inspector for the Kaliningrad Region Sergey Eliseev.

“This is a historic event. Today we lay the first stones in the foundation of the branches of two pillars of domestic culture - the Bolshoi Theater and the Tretyakov Gallery. We know perfectly well what is behind these names, and fully realize how much their events are in demand. That is why, during the preparation, we carefully worked out and planned tour schedules, various show options. And now, when the dates are specified, we understand that soon Kaliningrad will see the repertoire of the Bolshoi Theater, and the Tretyakov Gallery will run here its exhibitions and scientific activities. It is very important for all of us to make efforts and open these facilities on time - when this is expected from us. By  historical standards, it will be soon enough. All the same, this is a big exam for all of us, which remains to be passed”,  - pointed out the Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation Olga Lyubimova. According to her, the cultural and educational clusters being created will allow children in the regions to acquire premium education. "It is important for us that this is a cultural and educational center, that is, it will be possible to enroll in an education establishment in Kaliningrad, without having to traverse the country, and try to compete only in the two cities, as was previously the case. These complexes are being created just to enable people in their region to acquire education in keeping with the best traditions of our country, almost centuries-old,  as regards choreography, "- said the head of the Russian Ministry of Culture.

The construction of the cultural and educational center is being underway on the instructions of the head of the state, Vladimir Putin under the "Culture" national project. By the end of 2023, a branch of the Bolshoi Theater with a large hall, designed for 950 seats and a small hall, designed for 300 seats will be set in operation on Oktyabrsky Island. The museum complex with a total floor space of 17600 square meters, in addition to the showrooms, will include two auditoriums with 276 and 98 seats, respectively.
The facilities harmoniously fit into the park area. The premises will also accommodate  outdoor venues, amphitheaters and decks that will allow to hold numerous outdoor events - concerts, performances, city festivals.

Active works are currently being underway by the STG builders on the "eastern" part of Oktyabrsky Island. There are about 1.5 thousand people working daily at the site and more than 50 units of construction equipment being put on the job. In order to make it on time, work is carried out in parallel and in 2 shifts.

As early as September 1 this year, the educational buildings of the Moscow State Academy of Choreography (MGAH) will be opened here as well as that of the Central Music School at the Moscow State Conservatory named after P.I.Tchaikovsky (Central Music School) with concert halls and boarding schools. The complex also includes a comprehensive school with 550 seats with a swimming pool and a student dormitory. Teachers, artists and other specialists of the cluster will be provided with housing.

“Kaliningrad is becoming a real cultural lighthouse. For more than six months, our young talents have been receiving training at two leading cultural institutions. I am sure that when opened,  both the Bolshoi Theater and the Tretyakov Gallery will be much in demand not only with residents of Kaliningrad, but also with tourists travelling in our region, ” - pointed out Anton Alikhanov.