Six years of renovation and $700 million.
The restoration of Moscow's world-renowned Bolshoi Theater is to endure more delays, after its stage fell silent, the auditorium emptied and one of the world's most legendary theater buildings closed its doors in 2005.A rapid restoration and reopening was promised, but each projected completion date has been repeatedly knocked back.
What's more, the costly project is now being investigated by prosecutors amid claims of massive embezzlement.Nikita Shangin, author of a major reconstruction plan, spent eight years working on the project, until last summer.
“What worries me now is that the design decisions we had taken by 2007 were competent, but they were dismissed by non-professionals for their own interests,” grieves Shangin. “The question now is how to get out of the dead-end we're in, thanks to this bureaucratic power abuse.”
Major repairs to Russia’s main stage had been long overdue. Built in the first half of the 19th Century, by the 21st more than 70% of the building was in need of work: cracks were visible even on the façade, and an underground stream was found that had been undermining the foundations.
FULL STORY HERE
....and the spectacular opening cerimony......... Russia Today
enjoy in full screen.......
FULL STORY HERE
....and the spectacular opening cerimony......... Russia Today
enjoy in full screen.......
Maxim Shipenkov / EPA
A view of the main hall of the renovated Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, Russia, Oct. 8 The reconstruction and restoration works of the Bolshoi Theatre took six years; the Grand Opening is scheduled for Oct. 28.
Anton Golubev / Reuters
The foyer of Moscow's Bolshoi theatre Oct. 24.
Maxim Shipenkov / EPA
The main hall of the renovated Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, Oct.8.
Natalia Kolesnikova / AFP - Getty Images
The so-called 'Czar's Box' in the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, on Oct. 8.
The restored Moscow landmark built in the 1820s is due to reopen on October 28.
Anton Golubev / Reuters
Visitors walk in the newly refurbished foyer of Moscow's Bolshoi theatre Oct. 24.
Moscow's historic theatre is set to reopen with a gala performance on Friday after six years
of closure for renovation.
Moscow's historic theatre is set to reopen with a gala performance on Friday after six years
of closure for renovation.
Natalia Kolesnikova / AFP - Getty Images
People take photos in front of the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, on Sep. 27.
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