The New Nation - Internet Edition

Art & Culture Report

An exhibition featuring works of Alexei Schusev, an acclaimed Russian academician and architect, was inaugurated at the Russian Centre of Science and Culture at Dhanamondi in the city on October 28.

The Russian Embassy organised the show to mark the 135th birth anniversary of Alexei Schusev whose works may be regarded as a bridge connecting revivalist architecture of imperial Russia with Stalin's Empire Style.

ASM Ismail, Chief Architect of the Government of Bangladesh, was present as chief guest, while Badrul Haider, President of Architecture Alumni Association BUET (ARCAAB), chaired the session.

Yuri Makarov, Head of the Cultural Department and the Fisrt Secretary of the Russian Federation in Bangladesh, among others, were present on the occasion. A total of 27 works of Shchusev are on display at the show.

Yuri said, "In Soviet era, Alexei worked out the general plan of reconstruction and development of Moscow in cooperation with architect Ivan Zheltovsky, created designs for the mausoleum of Vladimir Lenin in the Red Square, famous Moscow Hotel, Kazan Railway Station, metro station Komsomolskaya, Moskvoretsky Bridge over the Moscow River and a number of office and high-rise VIP residential buildings in Moscow." Other notable designs of Shchusev were the Narkomzem in Moscow and the Institute of Resorts in Sochi, considered to be a major source for Alvar Aalto's Paimio Sanatorium, he said. Shchusev, who expired in Moscow on May 24 in 1949, was awarded the Stalin prizes in 1941, 1946, 1948, and posthumously in 1952.

The exhibition remains open to all till November 6 from 11:00am to 5:00pm everyday except Friday and Saturday.