| THE FOREIGN MINISTRY, R.C.I.S.C.C. AND THE RCC |
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| (R-L): Foreign Minister Ivanov, Ambassador Ushakov, RCC Director Batova at the Centre |
Valentina Tereshkova receives gift from colleague John Glenn at RCC Opening. |
Ambassador Ushakov, RCC Director Batova, FRCC Chairman Costley at RCC/FRCC performance of Bolshoi Prima |
Former Ambassador Vorontsov cuts ribbon for future RCC, Feb 1998 |
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| The Russian Cultural Centre (RCC), an agency of the Russian Government, is under the authority of the Foreign Ministry of Russia; Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and His Excellency, Ambassador Yuri Ushakov. The RCC is subordinate to the Russian Centre of International Scientific and Cultural Cooperation (RCISCC). Valentina Tereshkova, RCISCC head, directs 52 Russian Cultural Centres worldwide. Natalie Batova, Counselor of the Russian Embassy, is Director of the RCC. |
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| PRESS COVERAGE |
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Coverage of RCC Grand Opening weekend: International Ball dinner at Embassy for 341 guests of Caviar, Beef Stroganoff and Pavlova Faberge. Official Opening Ceremony and Tree Planting at RCC. Founders and Board of Governors Luncheon at City Tavern Club. Inaugural Dinner at the RCC. Blessing of the building. |
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| Article on RCISCC Head Valentina Tereshkova prior to RCC Opening. Recent BBC photo with President Putin on being named "Woman of the Century" in London. |
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| "Evolution" of the mansion to Russian motif. "Bilateral Labor of Love": the many Americans and Russians who donated time, effort, funds and expertise to make the RCC a reality---the FRCC. |
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| "Jewel of a Setting" is a pun referring to RCC museum and Hope Diamond owned by former resident of building. Clockwise: notice of RCC events in Embassy Events monthly; "Catherine the Great Evening"; David Fogel's UM graduate Architecture class; Clair Shipman (fluent in Russian) and friends at the RCC. |
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| Description of the RCC Ceremonial Moscow Room, Great Hall, Russian-American Room and the Dacha Terrace. RCC described as "Kalorama Villa." |
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| "Moscow on the Potomac"--the RCC and its events, and photos of Peter the Great and Catherine the Great paintings; "Russian Connection" -interview with RCC Director on Russian cuisine; preview of RCC Icon exhibit, "Russian Soul in Revision." |
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| ABOUT THE BUILDING |
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Built in 1895, an early American occupant was Evalyn Walsh McLean, Washington socialite who owned the Hope Diamond and Washington Post.
Early Russian connection---Evalyn was shocked at a party here to see her friend Alice Roosevelt, daughter of President Theodore Roosevelt, offer a cigarette to Countess Marguerite Cassini, the daughter of the Russian Ambassador, - taboo in 1901. Countess Cassini's father, Russian Ambassador to the U.S. during McKinley & Roosevelt administrations, was born in Trieste but went to Russia and served in diplomatic posts under Czar Nicholas II. Countess Cassini's son was the famous fashion designer, Oleg Cassini.
For nearly half a century it was the home of the Benjamin Franklin Pilson family. The three Pilson children are Founders of the FRCC.
The 33 room building was purchased in the 1950s by the Russian Government as a school for Embassy children. From the Washington Evening Star, March 30, 1958:
"Each morning a shiny black Cadillac pulls up before 1825 Phelps Place NW. A chauffeur steps smartly from behind the wheel to open the door for several bright-faced youngsters who bound out to attend classes at what is probably the most unusual school in the United States. The children, about 40 in all, attend an official Russian school, from first grade through the fourth, run by the rulebook of the Soviet Ministry of Education. The school enjoys diplomatic immunity because its pupils are the sons and daughters of Iron Curtain officials stationed in Washington. Those who live near enough walk to school. For the others, the Cadillac is the school bus."
The building later became the Russian Embassy Consulate where Americans, traveling to Russia, would go to receive their visa.
Following the Bilateral Agreement, the Russian Government designated 1825 Phelps as the new Russian Cultural Centre.
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| 33 Room RCC at 1825 Phelps Place |
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| The Hope Diamond owned by early 1900s resident of 1825 Phelps, Evalyn Walsh McLean. Elizabeth Pilson Imirie, one of many descendants of Benjamin Franklin Pilson who were married at 1825 Phelps. |
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Russian (USSR) Embassy School at 1825 Phelps. Some of children arrived in a "shiny Black Cadillac" each morning. From Washington Star of March 30, 1958. |
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| "Restoration, Renovation, Innovation" Restoring the building to museum quality took 22 months, March 1998 - December 1999. |
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| BUILDING ENTRANCE, TREE PLANTINGS, CARVINGS |
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| The Main Entrance to the RCC is on Phelps Place. The new front doors were constructed to accept 6 large bas-relief carvings. Engraved in the glass on the sides of the front doors are "RCC" in English and in Russian. Another entrance, facing LeRoy Place, will be modified as a handicapped entrance. |
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Phelps Place entrance |
LeRoy Place entrance |
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| TREE PLANTINGS - GORBACHEV, TERESHKOVA |
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Mikhail Gorbachev, former President of Russia (USSR), architect of the Cold War peace and Nobel Prize Winner, plants the "Russian and American Tree of Peace" on front lawn of the Russian Cultural Centre, April 20, 2001. |
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| Mikhail Gorbachev, accompanied by RCC Director and FRCC Chairman, plants "an American tree on Russian soil" to symbolize hopes for Russian American peace in the 21st Century. Gorbachev's speech was supportive of the new Russian and American leaders. The tree is an American dogwood. |
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| Valentina Tereshkova, pioneer space hero and the first woman to orbit the Earth (1963), accompanied by Ambassador Ushakov, plants the "Millennium Tree of Russian American Cooperation", a Russian birch tree, as part of the Grand Opening Ceremonies of the Russian Cultural Centre, December 1999. Madam Tereshkova, is Head of the RCC's parent organization in the Putin Administration, and its 54 Centres worldwide. Her career includes Major General in the Russian Air Force and a PhD in Engineering Science. In her Grand Opening speech she asked Americans to "please consider the new RCC as your home too." |
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| The "First Lady of Space" returns to (dig) the Earth, with Ambassador Ushakov, Director Batova, Chairman Costley |
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| THE GREAT HALL |
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| The Great Hall displays the largest portraits of Peter the Great and Catherine the Great outside of Russia. Commissioned by the RCC and FRCC, and painted by Victor Pakhomkin and Natasha Mokhina, the paintings contain the highlights of the two most famous Czars: Peter: "Incognito" tour of Western Europe (The Grand Embassy)... his "Window to the West," St. Petersburg... Table of Ranks... Father of Russian Navy... Commission of Bering--leading to colonization of Alaska. Catherine: Building of the Hermitage and its vast art collection...expansion of Russian territory... correspondence with Voltaire... innoculation of her subjects against small pox... building schools and hospitals...refusing George III's request for 20,000 Cossacks to fight against America in its War of Independence. |
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| The Great Hall, its Czar and Czarina, mirrors and a view to the Dacha Terrace. All Russian in origin except for the American Steinway---frequently filling the building with Russian classical music. During their reigns, Peter (1682-1725) and Catherine (1762-1796), considered to be Russia's greatest Czars, assumed the titles of Emperor and Empress. |
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| THE RUSSIAN AMERICAN ROOM |
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| The walls of the Russian American Room display the names of those American and Russian volunteers, the Friends of the Russian Cultural Centre (FRCC), who contribute their time, effort, funds and expertise to help make the RCC a reality---during the Inaugural Pentad (!999-2004). The painting, Russian American Cooperation Through History, includes several examples of cooperation "ghosted" in the background: Catherine the Great, John Paul Jones, "Handshake at the Elbe River", Soyuz-Apollo, 18th cent. trade, Reagan-Gorbachev "We came this close" (at Reykjavik). |
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| ENTRANCE HALL, GRAND STAIRCASE |
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| RCC Entrance Hall with satinwood inlays in steps and Kremlin carpet, includes carving of Russian Bear holding a Samovar, Russian symbol of hospitality, and painting, The First Lady of Space, donated by the artist, and FRCC Governor, Peter Galifianakis. Grand staircase includes the Quartet Balcony and a sculpture on loan, Friends Forever--At the Dacha with Her Beloved Borsois, by Chiparis, in the niche. |
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| THE MOSCOW ROOM |
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| The Moscow Room is cream and gold leaf like many grand rooms in Russia, and includes scenes at the top of each wall, painted by Russian artist, Valery Arkhipov: The Bolshoi, the Kremlin, Moscow State University and Christ the Savior Cathedral. Russian crystal chandelier donated by FRCC Governor Esther Coopersmith. Worlds only collection of Moscow Cathedral models (1::50) on loan from FRCC member. St. Nicholas Icon created in Russia for the Russian Cultural Centre. |
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| THE DACHA TERRACE |
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| The Dacha Terrace, completed in December 2001, is used for receptions for RCC art exhibits, intermission of musical performances and other events. Engraved names on the white bricks are those who supported the RCC/FRCC during the first year (1998-1999). |
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| THE SPACE LIBRARY |
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| The Russia and U.S. Library of Space Science and Exploration, with official liaisons with both NASA and the Russian Space Agency, will provide a forum to learn about the space programs of both countries in one location. The centerpiece of the Library is the 4-wall and ceiling mural, From Competition to Cooperation. The mural is a timeline---tracing the U.S. and Russian development of space: Tsiolkovsky and Goddard.. vonBraun and Korolev... Sputnik ...Gagarin, Glenn, Tereshkova, Armstrong... Moon landings---Apollo and Luna ...Soyuz-Apollo... Lunakhods and Lunar Rovers... Skylab...Mir...Space Shuttle... International Space Station.. Venus and Mars missions. The Solar System and beyond.. The Big Bang... Early dreams of space: the Greeks and Icarus; Jules Verne's From the Earth to the Moon; 11th Century Chinese rockets.
The Space Library mural by Matt Willey. Books and visuals from NASA and Russian Space Agency. Construction completed 2003. Dedication October 2003.
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From Competition...... |
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| From lower left: Icarus, 11th Cent. Chinese rockets, Jules Verne's From Earth to the Moon. Tsiolkovsky & Goddard. The V-2. Von Braun and Korolev. Sputnik. Gagarin, Glenn, Tereshkova, Armstrong. Telstar. Luna 9. "Splash-down" and "bounce-down." Ceiling: astronauts view of the Earth. |
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| ...To Cooperation |
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| From left: Soyuz-Apollo... Skylab... Space Shuttle.. Mir..ISS |
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What began as a fearful "Space Race" for space domination, has evolved into a space partnership for peace. |
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| COMPLETION OF THE THREE LIBRARIES 2003-2006 |
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Following completion of the Space Library in 2003, construction will proceed on the two remaining libraries: The Library of Russian American Cooperation (ribbon cutting by Foreign Minister Ivanov) which will chronicle and exhibit important examples of cooperation through history---and will feature a 4-wall mural similar to the Space Library. The Pushkin Library of Arts and Humanities (completed 2004) houses books, films, videos, DVDs---in Russian and English---sculptures and paintings. The Pushkin Library is also the umbrella organization for the RCC Literary Salon (began in 2000), RCC Film Salon (2000) and RCC Music and Dance Salon (1999). The library was constructed to replicate Pushkin's Last Cabinet, his study in St. Petersburg where he died following a duel---"surrounded by 1505 of his friends: his books." |
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| Library of Russian American Cooperation |
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| Among examples to be included in the mural: "Handshake at the Elbe River" (1945) and Soyuz-Apollo (1975). Above: ribbon-cutting at the Library entrance. |
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The Pushkin Library |
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| Prof. Rollberg (GWU) & Gutsche (Univ. Arizona) |
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| KITCHEN PAINTING: RUSSIAN & AMERICAN CUISINE |
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| The new RCC kitchen contains a painting, Russian and American Cuisine, by Irina Sinitsyna, Art Director of the Russian Embassy School. Russian (right side): Caviar, blinis, Samovar, Sturgeon, Beef Stroganoff and tea. American (left side): Lobster, steak, Vichysoisse, Crab, corn-on-the-cob, Pineapple, citrus fruits, apple pie a la mode and coffee. Also, a Russian-American dessert: Pavlova Faberge, invented by the FRCC to honor the Bolshoi Prima ballerina for her RCC/FRCC performances in Washington. |
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| RCC kitchen paintings include well known examples of Russian and American cuisines. |
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| RUSSIAN CULTURAL CENTRE ACTIVITIES |
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| While the RCC building was under contruction, the FRCC presented several events including performances of the Bolshoi Prima at the Russian Embassy and National Theatre. |
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| BLACK TIE & RED SOCKS GALA - Because red is dominant color in U.S. and Russian flags, guests were invited to wear something red. |
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HARD HAT & BLACK TIE Gala. Event held at RCC building under construction---to introduce guests to future home of the RCC. |
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| GRAND OPENING EVENTS |
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| 341 guests at the RCC/FRCC International Grand Ball, to celebrate the opening of the Russian Cultural Centre. The Grand Opening weekend included five events: the Ball... Ribbon Cutting & Tree Planting... Founders and Governors luncheon... Inaugural Dinner at RCC... Blessing of Building. Menus over the weekend featured Russian and American cuisine: Caviar, Beef Stroganoff and Pavlova Faberge dessert---Vichysoisse and Chesapeake Blue Crab. |
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RUSSIAN CULTURAL CENTRE EVENTS... Beginning with the 1999 opening, the RCC&FRCC presented 78 events through 2002, and continue to present between 30-40 events annually in a variety of areas. Below are samples---please see the Special Events and Calendar tabs for a complete list and description of past, present and future events.
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| LIVE PERFORMANCES |
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| Supporting dancers for RCC/FRCC performances of Bolshoi Prima |
Yale Russian Chorus sings Russian classical and sacred music at the RCC. |
"Christmas and Stradivarius" Russian classics by Janice Martin on an 18th Century (1708) Stradivarius. |
Konevets Quartet from St. Petersburg at RCC (2003) |
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| FASHION SHOWS, RUSSIAN CUISINE, FILM SERIES |
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| 38 new spring (2002) High Fashion designs by Naftalieva, one of first Russians to open a fashion house after Perestroika. Line also shown in London, Paris, Milan. Models provided by Neiman Marcus. |
Moscow Chef Filin prepares authentic dishes served to Peter and Catherine the Great |
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Monthly Film Salon - RCC Pushkin Library |
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| SEMINARS |
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| Former American and Russian Ambassadors, Pickering and Vorontsov, discuss "Russian-American Relations---Past, Present and Future." |
Space Science seminar held on 40th anniversary of Gagarin flight (1961-2001).. Deorbit of Mir... Space Tourism... Sea Launch Program--U.S., Russia, Ukraine, Norway |
Seminar on Joint Russian-U.S. Efforts to Fight International Crime. Panel included U.S. Justice Dept. and Russian counterparts. |
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| ART EXHIBITS |
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| The RCC/FRCC present one or two exhibits each month of artists from Russia. Opening Nights are festive with a background of live classical music, a brief introductory speech by the artists with English translation, and a reception of food and drink. Dress is "artistic attire." |
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| LECTURES |
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| "Saving St. Petersburg" by Dep. Chief Architect of St. Petersburg, Viktor Polyschuk |
"Peter the Great" by Gregory Gagarin |
"After 1000 years - What Russia?" by Alexis Obolensky |
"Dostoevsky" by the Very Rev. Dmitry Grigorieff. |
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| WWII COMMEMORATION CEREMONIES |
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| Annual RCC "Victory Day" events on May 9, include a ceremony at Arlington Cemetery at the Elbe River Monument, and celebratory events at the RCC of toasts and songs of 1941-1945. What is called "World War II" in the United States, is named "The Great Patriotic War" in Russia. General Eisenhower's son (John) and Marshal Zukov's daughter pictured to left of Elbe monument. |
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| RUSSIAN PRESIDENTIAL MEDALS FOR AMERICANS |
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| Russia has awarded over 6000 Presidential Medals to Americans who served with their Russian allies in World War II. Examples include Americans supplying Russians via the Northern Connvoys to Murmansk and Archangel, and through the Persian Gulf corridor... Americans who trained Russians on lendlease aircraft... joint training on subchasers vs U-boats and other missions. |
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| LITERARY SALON |
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| The RCC Literary Salon events include a variety of presentations---recitations, talks by authors, classical musical programs et al. Above from left: Pushkin sculpture and portrait donated to RCC; Salon evening led by Dr. Peter Rollberg of G.W.U; Pushkin competition, USA finalists---winner received trip to Russia and finals. The Literary Salon, like the Music and Film Salons operate under the auspices of the RCC Pushkin Library. |
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| OFF SITE - STOCK EXCHANGE, WHITE HOUSE, KENNEDY CENTER |
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| Floor of New York Stock Exchange--NYSE Specialists and RCC/FRCC--subject: future of Russian stocks & commerce in international relations. |
White House invites RCC to exhibit "Russian Easter"on South Lawn--- Easter season 2002. |
Loan of RCC/FRCC painting "Eternal Ballet"to Kennedy Center during Bolshoi performances. Painting depicts 400 years of ballet history. See "Art Collection" tab. |
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| APPRECIATION |
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| To express our appreciation to those individuals, whose names appear on the walls of the Russian American Room, who unselfishly gave of their time, effort, funds, property and expertise, to make this instrument of peace between our two countries, a reality. |
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| Painting in the Russian American Room symbolizing the public-private partnership between the Russian Government (RCC), and the American 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Friends of the Russian Cultural Centre (FRCC). |
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Natalie Batova, RCC Founding Director. Lloyd Costley, FRCC Chairman
December 10, 1999
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| Individual Contacts |
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| Russian Embassy
Natalie Batova - Embassy Cultural Attache, Founding RCC Director - nb_rcc@yahoo.com
Russian Cultural Centre (202) 265-3840
Evgeny Agoshkov, Director, Russian Cultural Centre- rcc@rccusa.org
Administrative Assistants to the Director-rcc@rccusa.org
Teachers, Building staff - rcc@rccusa.org
Friends of the Russian Cultural Centre
Lloyd Costley, Chairman, Board of Governors - frcc@verizon.net
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| Group Tours |
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| Please submit requests to the above email, by fax (202) 265-6040 or by mail to: RCC Director, 1825 Phelps Place NW, Washington, D.C. 20008. Group Tours are of one hour duration, Monday-Friday, 10AM -6PM. |
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