The Sergey Kuryokhin Center for Contemporary Art, located at the site of the former “Priboy” cinema on Vasilievsky Island, will open after reconstruction on September 11 as part of the International Forum of United Cultures.

The reconstruction, which began in 2016, has resulted in a multifunctional complex with two concert halls—large and small—rehearsal spaces, a public area, exhibition spaces, a café, a television studio, and a media library.

“The interior concept was developed at the intersection of two themes—the creative spirit of Sergey Kuryokhin and the atmosphere of the old ‘Priboy’ cinema. It was fundamentally decided that the interior should not draw attention away from the art. The space should emphasize the art.”

It is planned that the Center for Contemporary Art will open to the general public on September 12—visitors will be able to view two permanent exhibitions: one dedicated to the work of Sergey Kuryokhin, and the other—”Addresses of Change”—dedicated to contemporary musicians.

Sergey Kuryokhin Center for Contemporary Art

The Sergey Kuryokhin Center for Contemporary Art is a major cultural venue in St. Petersburg, Russia, dedicated to experimental and avant-garde art. It was founded in 2004 in honor of the influential and eccentric musician, composer, and artist Sergey Kuryokhin. The center continues his legacy by promoting innovative art forms, including performance, media art, and experimental music.

Priboy cinema

The Priboy cinema is a historic movie theater located in the coastal city of Sochi, Russia. It was originally built in the Soviet era and has been a popular local cultural venue for decades, known for showcasing a mix of mainstream and art-house films.

Vasilievsky Island

Vasilievsky Island is the largest island in Saint Petersburg, Russia, originally intended by Peter the Great to be the city’s administrative and cultural center in the early 18th century. While the city’s heart moved to the left bank of the Neva, the island became renowned for its historic grid of streets and is home to major institutions like the Old Saint Petersburg Stock Exchange and the iconic Rostral Columns. Today, it remains a key district, housing the city’s university and several major museums.

International Forum of United Cultures

The International Forum of United Cultures is a modern initiative, not a historical site, designed to foster global dialogue and cooperation. It serves as a platform for cultural exchange, artistic performances, and discussions on shared global challenges. Its history is rooted in contemporary efforts to promote peace and mutual understanding among diverse world cultures.