Art centre opens in Russia’s main Orthodox cathedral

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Published: 20 May, 2009, 20:51

Volkhonka Art Centre occupies an unusual space – two thousand square meters underneath Christ the Savior Cathedral in Moscow where it will become the largest antiquarian art gallery in the capital.

Along with ordinary exhibitions it will offer antique art works for sale – at very high prices.

It took five years for the project to be completed. Organizers say the Centre will have a special schedule for exhibition days and days for art collectors, architects and interior decorators.

The first exhibition project, which marks the opening of the center, offers paintings of old masters and architectural interior objects from the collection of Italian art lover Cesare Lampronti.

Each hall presents a thematic display. One of them is dedicated to Venetians, the second to Neapolitans, the third to the Dutch, and the last to Romans.

So far, the organizers say they’ve reached certain arrangements with Italian and Russian Ministries of Culture, and also are negotiating with a number of major European galleries on long-term cooperation.

The Antiquarian Art Centre is expected to become another place of interest to visitors of this area of the capital. Visiting Christ the Savior Cathedral in Moscow now can be combined with different activities as it has become a multifunctional spot.

The Cathedral was reconstructed after being destroyed by the Communists back in 1931. The result surpassed its original in some aspects. Now Orthodox believers have their own Vatican in one building: a set of halls, restaurants, parking, car wash, high-speed lift, viewing deck, hotel, and even baths.