Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –
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At the direction of President Vladimir Putin, construction of large-scale cultural and educational complexes is underway in four Russian cities. These complexes will include modern theater stages, concert halls, exhibition spaces, and music and dance schools. Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin announced that a branch of the Bolshoi Theater will be built on Oktyabrsky Island in Kaliningrad.
In Kaliningrad, the Bolshoi Theatre branch has been completed with large-scale stained glass windows.
"The cultural clusters being created in Kaliningrad, Kemerovo, Sevastopol, and Vladivostok can rightfully be considered the largest cultural infrastructure project in the country. They will not only become centers for artistic development and open up new opportunities for creative youth, but will also stimulate regional development, become focal points for urban life, and contribute to the growth of tourism. As part of such a cluster, a branch of the world-famous Bolshoi Theatre, which will celebrate its 250th anniversary in 2026, is being built in Kaliningrad. The 36,000-square-meter building boasts a unique architectural appearance, meets the high standards of modern theater venues, and is being constructed in collaboration with the Bolshoi Theatre's management. Construction workers have now glazed two giant translucent structures, which will serve as the branch's architectural focal points, and have begun interior finishing work," said Marat Khusnullin.
The largest stained-glass window resembles a glass sail. Its total area is approximately 1,700 square meters, comparable to the area of four professional basketball courts. The structure is assembled from 242 double-glazed windows, providing maximum energy efficiency, enhanced safety, and light transmission. The total weight of the stained-glass window exceeds 170 tons. Simultaneously, work has been completed on the installation and finishing of a second stained-glass window, with a total area of 620 square meters, which offers a view of the Pregolya River.
Stained glass windows will flood the theater's interior with natural light, which is especially important for the central public area—the main hall. Panoramic glazing will create a sense of unity between the interior and the surrounding landscape of Oktyabrsky Island.
The sheer scale of the glazing places the Kaliningrad branch of the Bolshoi Theatre among the most daring architectural projects. In Russia, the Mariinsky Theatre's second stage in St. Petersburg (Mariinsky II) is a comparable example, with its main façade featuring a large expanse of glass.
The cultural cluster in Kaliningrad is being built by the STG company on behalf of the National Cultural Heritage Foundation.
"The addition of stained glass is a landmark event in the construction of the Bolshoi Theatre branch. The glass structures are 'woven' into the unique shape of the building, echoing the movements of a ballet dancer. The building is increasingly taking on its final, finished appearance. The builders are making every effort to ensure the high-quality and timely completion of the project. After all, this facility is an investment in the cultural future of the region; here, every viewer will be able to immerse themselves in the world of art and experience its grandeur," noted Dmitry Rzhannikov, General Director of STG-Zapad.
The Kaliningrad cultural cluster previously included branch buildings for the Tretyakov Gallery, the Russian State Institute of Performing Arts – Baltic Higher School of Music and Theatre Art, the Moscow State Academy of Choreography, and the Central Music School – Academy of Performing Arts. Additionally, a comprehensive school with a swimming pool, two boarding schools for students, a student dormitory, and five apartment buildings for teachers and artists were built.
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