https://www.themoscowtimes.com/arts-and-life The Moscow Times offers everything you need to know about Russia: Breaking news, top stories, business, analysis, opinion, multimedia en-us Tue, 21 Apr 2026 19:56:28 +0300 600 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/20/back-to-the-ussr-when-russia-took-a-wrong-turn-a92543 This collection of photos from the MT archives captures what everyday life looked like in Russia under Yeltsin and in the early years of Putin. Mon, 20 Apr 2026 14:12:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/20/back-to-the-ussr-when-russia-took-a-wrong-turn-a92543 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/15/sergei-lebedev-on-the-defiance-of-russian-language-literature-a92507 "Defiant Voices: Russian Short Stories from the 19th to 21st Centuries" brings together 80 stories by Russian-speaking authors that evoke the theme of defiance and speak to the power of literature as resistance. Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:59:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/04/15/sergei-lebedev-on-the-defiance-of-russian-language-literature-a92507 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/30/in-photos-250-years-of-the-bolshoi-theatre-a92374 One of the world’s most celebrated opera and ballet stages has surviving fire, revolution, world wars, the Soviet collapse and the rise of Vladimir Putin. Mon, 30 Mar 2026 17:17:19 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/30/in-photos-250-years-of-the-bolshoi-theatre-a92374 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/26/chelyabinsk-judge-bans-distribution-of-oscar-winning-mr-nobody-against-putin-in-russia-a92344 A judge in the Ural Mountains city upheld a request from the state prosecutor’s office to have the film removed from three online video platforms. Thu, 26 Mar 2026 14:08:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/26/chelyabinsk-judge-bans-distribution-of-oscar-winning-mr-nobody-against-putin-in-russia-a92344 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/24/st-petersburg-judge-sentences-oxxxymiron-to-community-service-in-absentia-for-foreign-agent-violations-a92317 Russia previously issued an arrest warrant for the exiled rapper after he was accused of repeatedly failing to include a prominent “foreign agent” disclaimer in posts he made on Telegram. Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:29:08 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/24/st-petersburg-judge-sentences-oxxxymiron-to-community-service-in-absentia-for-foreign-agent-violations-a92317 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/21/pavel-talankin-was-a-nobody-against-putin-now-he-has-an-oscar-a92289 Speaking after the Academy Awards, Talankin said he believes the debate around the film is already changing Russian society. Sat, 21 Mar 2026 15:58:13 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/21/pavel-talankin-was-a-nobody-against-putin-now-he-has-an-oscar-a92289 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/20/in-photos-russias-muslim-community-marks-eid-al-fitr-a92281 Muslims nationwide began celebrating Eid al-Fitr — the end of the holy month of Ramadan — on Thursday. Fri, 20 Mar 2026 14:49:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/20/in-photos-russias-muslim-community-marks-eid-al-fitr-a92281 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/18/russian-human-rights-body-calls-for-investigation-into-mr-nobody-against-putin-a92261 Russia’s human rights council said that “images of minors were used without obtaining the consent of their parents” in the film. Wed, 18 Mar 2026 19:18:52 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/18/russian-human-rights-body-calls-for-investigation-into-mr-nobody-against-putin-a92261 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/16/putin-come-out-why-artist-pavel-krisevich-challenged-the-russian-leader-to-a-duel-a92058 The provocative performance artist and activist speaks to MT about how he stays engaged with Russia's domestic discourse from exile. Mon, 16 Mar 2026 19:43:17 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/16/putin-come-out-why-artist-pavel-krisevich-challenged-the-russian-leader-to-a-duel-a92058 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/16/russias-censorship-laws-are-killing-its-pop-culture-a92220 Sweeping bans on discussing drugs, politics and “non-traditional values” are forcing artists and labels to censor themselves. Mon, 16 Mar 2026 17:35:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/16/russias-censorship-laws-are-killing-its-pop-culture-a92220 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/16/mr-nobody-never-heard-of-him-kremlin-says-it-hasnt-seen-oscar-winning-documentary-a92232 “Mr. Nobody Against Putin,” which chronicles the state indoctrination of schoolchildren, won the Oscar for best documentary feature on Sunday. Mon, 16 Mar 2026 14:04:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/16/mr-nobody-never-heard-of-him-kremlin-says-it-hasnt-seen-oscar-winning-documentary-a92232 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/08/ukraine-urges-venice-biennale-to-exclude-russia-a92154 Organizers of the event said on Wednesday that they would allow Russia to take part in the exhibition for the first time since 2022. Sun, 08 Mar 2026 13:42:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/03/08/ukraine-urges-venice-biennale-to-exclude-russia-a92154 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/02/12/at-milan-cortina-winter-olympics-russian-athletes-are-a-diminished-presence-a91929 Sport has long been a potent tool of Russian soft power. But this time, its athletes are competing without a flag, national anthem or national team. Thu, 12 Feb 2026 14:55:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/02/12/at-milan-cortina-winter-olympics-russian-athletes-are-a-diminished-presence-a91929 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/02/11/director-bogomolov-resigns-as-head-of-moscow-art-theatre-school-after-appointment-backlash-a91911 The well-connected play director’s appointment to the prestigious school last month sparked outrage in the theater community. Wed, 11 Feb 2026 13:13:47 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/02/11/director-bogomolov-resigns-as-head-of-moscow-art-theatre-school-after-appointment-backlash-a91911 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/02/10/russia-to-check-films-for-traditional-values-violations-a91905 The procedure comes ahead of a new law due to take effect on March 1 banning the screening of films deemed to “discredit traditional values.” Tue, 10 Feb 2026 14:46:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/02/10/russia-to-check-films-for-traditional-values-violations-a91905 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/01/26/despite-sanctions-and-boycotts-some-western-musicians-return-to-the-stage-in-russia-a91739 While these acts are hardly major names, their return signals that some Western artists are willing to risk backlash by entertaining Russian fans. Mon, 26 Jan 2026 20:29:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/01/26/despite-sanctions-and-boycotts-some-western-musicians-return-to-the-stage-in-russia-a91739 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/01/19/in-photos-russians-celebrate-epiphany-with-frozen-plunge-a91709 Russians marked Orthodox Epiphany overnight by dipping themselves into icy rivers, ponds and lakes across the country. Mon, 19 Jan 2026 13:45:48 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/01/19/in-photos-russians-celebrate-epiphany-with-frozen-plunge-a91709 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/01/15/heated-rivalry-catches-fire-in-russia-despite-kremlins-anti-lgbtq-repressions-a91681 For many Russian viewers, the series provides a rare portrayal of queer lives and relationships at a time when LGBTQ+ visibility has largely vanished. Thu, 15 Jan 2026 19:17:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/01/15/heated-rivalry-catches-fire-in-russia-despite-kremlins-anti-lgbtq-repressions-a91681 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/01/12/in-photos-moscow-braves-heaviest-snowfall-in-decades-a91649 The Jan. 9 snowfall ranked among the five heaviest in Moscow’s 146 years of weather records. Mon, 12 Jan 2026 19:13:13 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/01/12/in-photos-moscow-braves-heaviest-snowfall-in-decades-a91649 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/12/31/in-photos-the-new-years-traditions-of-russias-indigenous-peoples-a91338 Indigenous and minority communities have made an effort to revive their ancestral traditions of greeting the new year since the Soviet collapse. Wed, 31 Dec 2025 12:48:59 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/12/31/in-photos-the-new-years-traditions-of-russias-indigenous-peoples-a91338 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/12/26/animated-putin-appears-in-childrens-cartoon-prostokvashino-a91556 The animated Putin is voiced by actor Dmitry Grachev, known for his parody of the Russian leader on the show Comedy Club. Fri, 26 Dec 2025 14:35:50 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/12/26/animated-putin-appears-in-childrens-cartoon-prostokvashino-a91556 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/12/25/moscow-does-not-believe-in-tears-star-vera-alentova-dies-at-83-a91547 Alentova rose to international fame for her portrayal of Katerina Tikhonova in the 1979 film, which won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Thu, 25 Dec 2025 16:55:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/12/25/moscow-does-not-believe-in-tears-star-vera-alentova-dies-at-83-a91547 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/12/24/russian-streaming-platforms-censor-pro-kremlin-directors-oscar-winning-film-a91539 At least two online cinemas have cut scenes from Nikita Mikhalkov’s Oscar-winning 1994 drama “Burnt by the Sun.” Wed, 24 Dec 2025 16:56:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/12/24/russian-streaming-platforms-censor-pro-kremlin-directors-oscar-winning-film-a91539 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/12/19/dogs-of-war-go-to-heaven-the-russian-rappers-celebrating-the-military-a91460 Rap Platoon is one of a handful of musical acts that have been producing patriotic, pro-war music. Experts say they're unlikely to make it big. Fri, 19 Dec 2025 19:22:09 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/12/19/dogs-of-war-go-to-heaven-the-russian-rappers-celebrating-the-military-a91460 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/12/18/russian-spy-chief-unveils-monument-to-iconic-soviet-tv-series-a91474 First aired in 1973, “Seventeen Moments of Spring” follows the exploits of the fictional Soviet spy Stirlitz, a mole operating inside Nazi Germany’s SS during the final weeks of World War II. Thu, 18 Dec 2025 13:41:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/12/18/russian-spy-chief-unveils-monument-to-iconic-soviet-tv-series-a91474 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/12/18/3-russia-themed-anti-war-films-shortlisted-for-oscars-a91468 Film critics said the shortlisting of the three films sent a clear anti-war, anti-authoritarian message. Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:34:54 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/12/18/3-russia-themed-anti-war-films-shortlisted-for-oscars-a91468 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/12/07/julia-ioffes-debut-motherland-tells-the-story-of-russia-through-its-women-a91347 Ioffe discusses the Soviet feminist experiment, the differences between Western and Russian feminism, the lessons we can learn from the women in “Motherland” and more. Sun, 07 Dec 2025 12:59:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/12/07/julia-ioffes-debut-motherland-tells-the-story-of-russia-through-its-women-a91347 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/11/18/is-cheburashka-a-soviet-jew-budget-hearing-re-ignites-debate-over-cartoons-origins-a91160 A State Duma lawmaker postulated that Cheburashka, who first appeared in a crate of oranges, was an Israeli Jew. The debate quickly went viral. Tue, 18 Nov 2025 20:14:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/11/18/is-cheburashka-a-soviet-jew-budget-hearing-re-ignites-debate-over-cartoons-origins-a91160 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/11/12/in-photos-the-works-of-conceptual-artist-erik-bulatov-a91094 Bulatov was a leading figure of the Soviet pop art scene, bending figurative imagery with slogans and text to challenge state propaganda. Wed, 12 Nov 2025 13:13:23 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/11/12/in-photos-the-works-of-conceptual-artist-erik-bulatov-a91094 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/11/10/russian-artist-erik-bulatov-dies-at-92-a91090 Bulatov emerged in the 1970s as a leading figure of the Soviet pop art scene, bending figurative imagery with slogans and text to challenge state propaganda. Mon, 10 Nov 2025 15:46:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/11/10/russian-artist-erik-bulatov-dies-at-92-a91090 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/11/03/in-photos-muscovites-celebrate-halloween-while-its-still-allowed-a91017 Although officials and the Russian Orthodox Church discourage it, many Muscovites celebrated the holiday anyway. Mon, 03 Nov 2025 21:34:45 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/11/03/in-photos-muscovites-celebrate-halloween-while-its-still-allowed-a91017 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/10/29/st-petersburg-street-musician-jailed-again-over-viral-anti-putin-performance-a90978 Members of the group Stoptime were arrested shortly after being released from their first sentences. Wed, 29 Oct 2025 17:26:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/10/29/st-petersburg-street-musician-jailed-again-over-viral-anti-putin-performance-a90978 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/10/22/sensing-war-fatigue-kremlin-exploits-music-festivals-to-subtly-cultivate-patriotism-a90783 Nearly four years into the war, officials are using cultural roots and entertainment to foster patriotism instead of overtly militaristic propaganda. Wed, 22 Oct 2025 17:50:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/10/22/sensing-war-fatigue-kremlin-exploits-music-festivals-to-subtly-cultivate-patriotism-a90783 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/10/21/singing-these-songs-in-russia-could-land-you-in-jail-a90882 Stoptime rose to viral fame this fall with its performances of popular anti-Putin and anti-war anthems in St. Petersburg. Its members are now in jail. Tue, 21 Oct 2025 18:54:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/10/21/singing-these-songs-in-russia-could-land-you-in-jail-a90882 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/10/13/soviet-legend-vysotskys-death-mask-cast-to-be-sold-at-auction-a90799 The bronze mask is part of a sale featuring more than 200 works of Russian and Eastern European art dating to the 19th century. Mon, 13 Oct 2025 17:39:17 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/10/13/soviet-legend-vysotskys-death-mask-cast-to-be-sold-at-auction-a90799 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/10/08/prominent-russian-culinary-historian-hit-with-criminal-charges-for-army-fakes-a90755 Pavel Syutkin has published several books on the history of Russian and Soviet cuisine and hosted television and radio programs devoted to the history of food. Wed, 08 Oct 2025 17:28:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/10/08/prominent-russian-culinary-historian-hit-with-criminal-charges-for-army-fakes-a90755 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/09/25/russias-eurovision-rip-off-exposes-kremlins-delusions-of-cultural-grandeur-a90622 Russia was overshadowed at its own party — and ended up with a winner that many pro-war patriots think should be behind bars. Thu, 25 Sep 2025 18:23:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/09/25/russias-eurovision-rip-off-exposes-kremlins-delusions-of-cultural-grandeur-a90622 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/09/22/catherine-merridale-digs-into-stalin-era-history-with-detective-novel-moscow-underground-a90591 The author and historian discusses the power of fiction to explore the Stalinist period, creating complex characters and navigating contested historical legacies. Mon, 22 Sep 2025 16:53:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/09/22/catherine-merridale-digs-into-stalin-era-history-with-detective-novel-moscow-underground-a90591 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/09/21/russias-answer-to-eurovision-hits-a-flat-note-a90570 The revival of the Soviet-era Intervision contest was marked by awkward moments, forced solidarity and performances that often fell flat. Sun, 21 Sep 2025 15:00:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/09/21/russias-answer-to-eurovision-hits-a-flat-note-a90570 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/09/17/australian-born-singer-vassy-to-represent-us-at-intervision-contest-in-last-minute-switch-a90550 R&B artist B. Howard, originally slated to perform for the U.S., withdrew from the competition for what organizers said were “family reasons.” Wed, 17 Sep 2025 17:28:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/09/17/australian-born-singer-vassy-to-represent-us-at-intervision-contest-in-last-minute-switch-a90550 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/09/10/in-photos-north-korean-war-paintings-take-center-stage-in-moscow-exhibition-a90468 An exhibition of North Korean art opened Tuesday at the All-Russian Museum of Decorative Art in Moscow, marking the first time works from the isolated country have been displayed abroad. Wed, 10 Sep 2025 16:16:31 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/09/10/in-photos-north-korean-war-paintings-take-center-stage-in-moscow-exhibition-a90468 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/09/10/athens-state-orchestra-cancels-pro-kremlin-pianists-concert-a90480 Denis Matsuev is known for his support for President Vladimir Putin and the Kremlin's policies, including over Ukraine. Wed, 10 Sep 2025 01:08:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/09/10/athens-state-orchestra-cancels-pro-kremlin-pianists-concert-a90480 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/09/10/beyond-putin-and-xis-bromance-chinese-culture-creeps-into-daily-life-in-russia-a90475 From language and the arts to tourism and consumer goods, China’s presence in everyday life in Russia is becoming increasingly pronounced. Wed, 10 Sep 2025 00:06:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/09/10/beyond-putin-and-xis-bromance-chinese-culture-creeps-into-daily-life-in-russia-a90475 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/09/05/film-and-tv-star-aglaya-tarasova-detained-at-moscow-airport-charged-with-drug-smuggling-a90442 Tarasova is the daughter of actress Ksenia Rapporport, who has publicly condemned Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Fri, 05 Sep 2025 15:49:11 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/09/05/film-and-tv-star-aglaya-tarasova-detained-at-moscow-airport-charged-with-drug-smuggling-a90442 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/08/29/russian-composer-rodion-shchedrin-dies-at-92-a90374 Shchedrin drew on Russian literature and folklore for works including the ballets “The Little Humpbacked Horse” and “The Seagull” and the opera “Lolita.” Fri, 29 Aug 2025 11:04:08 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/08/29/russian-composer-rodion-shchedrin-dies-at-92-a90374 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/08/25/ukraine-criticizes-woody-allen-for-speaking-at-moscow-film-week-a90343 The four-time Oscar-winning director appeared virtually as the guest of honor at Moscow International Film Week. Mon, 25 Aug 2025 15:23:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/08/25/ukraine-criticizes-woody-allen-for-speaking-at-moscow-film-week-a90343 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/08/22/woody-allen-to-headline-moscow-film-week-a90322 The four-time Oscar-winning director is billed as the main guest of honor at the Aug. 23-27 Moscow International Film Week. Fri, 22 Aug 2025 12:45:02 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/08/22/woody-allen-to-headline-moscow-film-week-a90322 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/08/21/russia-has-1500-political-prisoners-their-art-is-now-on-display-in-europe-a90307 Rights advocates collected artwork made by political prisoners for the Prisoners of Conscience installation at Artists Against the Kremlin. Thu, 21 Aug 2025 14:21:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/08/21/russia-has-1500-political-prisoners-their-art-is-now-on-display-in-europe-a90307 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/08/21/rumored-son-of-michael-jackson-to-represent-us-at-russias-eurovision-rival-a90308 Organizers described American R&B singer B. Howard as a “world-class star whose music transcends borders and unites cultures.” Thu, 21 Aug 2025 13:18:00 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/08/21/rumored-son-of-michael-jackson-to-represent-us-at-russias-eurovision-rival-a90308 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/08/14/pop-star-shaman-to-perform-in-north-korea-for-national-liberation-day-a90218 The holiday commemorates the day when the Korean Peninsula was liberated by Allied forces in 1945 from 35 years of Japanese colonial rule. Thu, 14 Aug 2025 17:59:46 +0300 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/08/14/pop-star-shaman-to-perform-in-north-korea-for-national-liberation-day-a90218