Take a river cruise
With temperatures still high, beaches and pools packed, and tempers fraying, we think a Moscow River cruise is the perfect way to relax, enjoy some sightseeing, keep cool, and — if you wish — have a great meal. There are dozens of companies running tours that start and stop near the Ukraine Hotel, not far from the Kievsky Vokzal metro stop. Our secret shoppers — that is, members of our fine newspaper staff — have tried several companies, and none are bad. Our favorite are the most comfortable, albeit more expensive, Radisson ships, which offer several classes, options, ships and schedules and which are all blessedly air conditioned. Check the site for times, reservations, and what QR code or other conditions must be met. And then sit back and watch Moscow go by.
In a Chekhov kind of mood
If you love Russian literature but have never visited the State Literature Museum right next to the Park Kultury metro station, consider stopping in this weekend. On Saturday at 2 p.m. you can take (in Russian) a tour of the museum’s Anton Chekhov exhibit, which has on display many of the author’s personal possessions while the Chekhov house-museum undergoes restoration. Tickets are an economical 300 rubles and can be purchased online here. While you’re there, you can see an exhibition about Dostoevsky, visit the modest but very moving exhibition about the life and work of poet Osip Mandelshtam, and peruse the permanent collection.
Breaking Down Barriers Film Festival
Every year Perspektiva, a non-governmental organization that advocates for and assists people with disabilities and their families, puts on a film festival. The films for kids and adults, short and feature length, in various genres from cartoons to dramas, are about everything people experience — first love, trouble at work, family problems, ambition. The only thing that makes them special is that some of the characters have disabilities This year the films are being shown at the Moscow Museum Contemporary Art at 17 Yermolayevsky pereulok. They are in the original language with Russian subtitles (or Russian), and three films are being shown at 5 p.m. on Saturday. If you have a family member with a disability or would like to make sure your children are introduced to people with disabilities, or if you just want to have a great night at the movies, stop in. For more information see the site here.
Musical Moskvarium for kids
If you can’t be in the water this weekend, it’s at least cooling and fun to be watching all kinds of sea creatures swimming around you. If this is the sort of thing you like, the Moskvarium at VDNKh Park has miles of water with paths that run along, over and under them. If you can pry your children away from the sharks, you can all relax at a musical on the water called “A Midsummer’s Night Dream.” We can attest that even jaded 10-year-olds were thrilled. Ticket sales and other information can be found on the aquarium site.
Buy BDT tickets now before it’s too late
For Russian theatergoers, “BDT” needs no explanation: it’s the Big Drama Theater in St. Petersburg, one of the consistently best theaters in the country and probably the world. This autumn BDT is coming to Moscow on tour, and starting July 15, tickets are on sale. Among the best shows are “What Is To Be Done,” a production of Andrei Moguchy, the BDT artistic director, “Romeo and Juliet,” “Night Writer,” and “Drunks.” For more information about the schedule, performances and ticket sales, see the theater site.
Zappa and other film delights
While film lovers wait with bated breath to learn who will take home the awards from the Cannes Film Festival, you can cool off in air conditioned movie theaters in the Moscow. At Pioner don’t miss the French film “Van Gogh in Love” (with Russian subtitles) this weekend or the mystical “Cloud Atlas.” “Black Widow” is playing at 5 Zvyozd (Paveletskaya) and your kids can drag you to see “Cruella” once more at the Art Theater. But save up your movie-going mojo for next Tuesday night when Pioner will screen “Zappa” with a discussion afterwards.
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