Moscow`s iconic House of Cinema, or Dom Kino, a historical edifice imbued with decades of cinematic memories, recently met its demise. Yet, from the rubble of this controversial demolition, an unexpected narrative of cultural preservation has emerged, starring a well-known TV personality and a remote Arctic town.
The Fall of a Cinematic Landmark
For generations of Russian filmmakers and cinephiles, Dom Kino on Vasilyevskaya Street was more than just a building; it was a sanctuary. It was the backdrop for countless premieres, vibrant discussions, and the very pulse of Soviet and post-Soviet cinematic life. Its recent, rapid demolition has left many in the film community in mourning, witnessing the erasure of a tangible link to their past.
The swift destruction appears to be part of a larger, contentious plan. Nikita Mikhalkov, the venerable head of the Union of Cinematographers, has been at the center of this controversy. His vision for the site — not a meticulous restoration of the old, but rather a new, ostensibly “improved” high-rise — has been met with skepticism. Critics argue that the proposed structure bears little resemblance to the cultural needs of ordinary filmmakers and instead feels like a monument to a particular personal ambition, perhaps even timed to coincide with Mikhalkov`s upcoming 80th birthday. The irony, some might observe, of destroying cinematic history to celebrate a cinematic figure, is not lost on those who cherished the original structure.
An Unlikely Hero: Andrey Malakhov`s Intervention
Amidst the despair, a beacon of preservation emerged from an unexpected quarter: Andrey Malakhov, a prominent Russian TV presenter. Malakhov, a native of Apatity, a city nestled in the Murmansk region of the Arctic Circle, has recently dedicated himself to enriching his hometown`s cultural landscape by establishing a modern art center.
It was at a recent “Talent” festival in Apatity that attendees were astonished to discover familiar relics: the iconic glass doors through which countless cinematic legends once passed into Dom Kino, and a distinctive square-shaped chandelier that once illuminated its grand halls. These were no replicas; they were the genuine articles, now proudly displayed in the northern city, allowing visitors to literally walk through a piece of Moscow`s lost cultural heritage.
The Art of the Deal: Saving More Than Just Fixtures
Malakhov`s intervention wasn`t merely a matter of salvaging a few pieces. According to reports, his team embarked on the painstaking task of disassembling a significant mosaic that adorned Dom Kino`s restaurant. This artistic masterpiece, without Malakhov`s foresight, would have undoubtedly been lost to the wrecking ball. This mosaic is now safely preserved within a Culture Foundation, awaiting a new home.
In what can only be described as a rather pragmatic exchange, Malakhov received the now “unnecessary” doors and chandelier from the demolished site in return for his efforts in saving the mosaic. What was deemed surplus by some has become a cherished addition to Apatity`s burgeoning cultural space, transforming the narrative from one of pure loss to a fascinating tale of relocation and rebirth.
A Glimpse into the Past: Dom Kino`s Legacy
The historical significance of Dom Kino cannot be overstated. Its restaurant, with its intimate stage and mosaic panel, was a popular filming location for young directors and a favored spot for stars like Nonna Mordyukova and Tatyana Samoilova to celebrate premieres. Entering its hallowed halls, many felt transported to a bygone era, losing themselves in the palpable history of Russian cinema.
The building`s gradual decay, arguably a deliberate neglect, ultimately sealed its fate. Yet, the story of its artifacts highlights a broader issue: the vulnerability of architectural heritage in the face of rapid urban development. What will become of other invaluable pieces, such as the renowned Fernand Léger stained-glass window from the Grand Hall`s foyer, now dismantled and stored, its future uncertain? Malakhov`s initiative offers a poignant example of how individual action can prevent complete erasure, even if it means relocating history to new horizons.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Old Treasures
The demolition of Moscow`s Dom Kino is a sobering reminder of the constant tension between progress and preservation. However, the saga of its salvaged artifacts, now finding a second life in Apatity under Andrey Malakhov`s patronage, offers a glimmer of hope. It demonstrates that while buildings may fall, their stories and precious components can endure, transforming into new cultural touchstones in unexpected places. These pieces, once central to Moscow`s film scene, now serve as a testament to history`s resilience, echoing cinematic memories from a new, northern stage.
