Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Phosagro – Phosagro – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Kirovsk (Murmansk Region). December 15, 2025. The Bolshevik Cultural Center in Kirovsk officially opened after a major renovation, in which PhosAgro participated as an investor.
The Bolshevik Cultural Center is housed in the historic building of the first sound cinema in the Murmansk region, which was built in Khibinogorsk (now Kirovsk) in 1932. The opening ceremony was attended by Murmansk Region Governor Andrei Chibis, Kirovsk Mayor Yuri Kuzin, Kirov Branch Director of Apatit JSC (PhosAgro Group) Andrei Abrashitov, as well as Kirovsk residents and visitors.
"After the closure of the cinema, and then the commercial properties that replaced it, in the mid-1990s, the legendary building lay in a dilapidated state for a long time. Together with the city administration and PhosAgro, we fought to save the building, sought solutions and funding, and navigated the construction phase. And the project was a success. Today, we stand in a modern complex that meets all current requirements, where the cinema remains and a number of new spaces have been created, including a planetarium. I am confident it will be popular with both young people and the older generation, who invested so much effort in the development of the region, the city, and the plant. This is highly symbolic – a true gift for us all. Thank you to everyone who participated in the project," said Murmansk Region Governor Andrei Chibis during the Bolshevik opening ceremony.
The cinema building is a unique monument of Soviet constructivist architecture and a cultural heritage site of regional significance. Major renovation work began in 2022. The designers and builders faced the challenging task of preserving the Bolshevik's original appearance while infusing it with modern technology.
Reopened after renovation, the Bolshevik Cultural Center is a multifunctional space equipped with the most advanced multimedia systems and equipment. Among other things, guests can enjoy an automated cloakroom, a planetarium, four cinemas, a cinema bar, children's playrooms, an entertainment area with arcade machines, a café, a conference room, and a souvenir shop. All of this makes the new cultural center not only an attractive leisure destination for local residents but also a valuable addition to the infrastructure of the Khibiny mountain tourism cluster, whose popularity among outdoor enthusiasts is growing every year.
This summer, the S.M. Kirov Square near the Bolshevik Cultural Center was also landscaped. Its focal point is the rotunda, which is planned to host various cultural events. Illuminated seating areas with benches and lawns have been installed around the square. To ensure the safety and security of the entire complex, its perimeter is equipped with a video surveillance system.
"The opening of the renovated Bolshevik Cultural Center is a true celebration for all residents of our city. We've created a modern space where everyone will find something to enjoy, from engaging film screenings to educational events. I'm confident the cultural center will become a true gem for our city. It will host significant cultural and educational events and foster creative initiatives," noted Kirovsk Mayor Yuri Kuzin.
The cost of reconstructing the facility amounted to more than 1.5 billion rubles, financed by PhosAgro and the Murmansk Region budget.
"When the first sound cinema in the Arctic opened its doors in the 1930s, it was a true sensation. By joining the Murmansk Region government and the city administration in its reconstruction project, we hoped that the renovated space would replicate this success and become popular with northerners. I think we succeeded. I'm confident we can rightfully be proud of this project; it has turned out beautifully and modernly," noted Andrey Abrashitov, Director of the Kirov branch of JSC Apatit (PhosAgro Group).
The first film to be shown at the renovated Bolshevik Cinema was director Nikolai Ekk's "Road to Life." This film was shown at the first sound cinema in the Kola Arctic on its opening day, November 7, 1932.
"Excellent! We were really looking forward to the opening of the Bolshevik. And the fact that now you can not only watch a movie here, like in our youth, but also have a useful and educational time will make it popular with the younger generation," said Nikolai Savotkin, an honorary citizen of Kirovsk, sharing his impressions.
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