The story of the epic Spine of Russia trip, intertwining fascinating subject profiles with digressions into historical and cultural themes relevant to understanding modern Russia. 

It is a common trope that Russians never smile. Which of course is interpreted to mean they are unfriendly, gloomy, sullen – positively Dostoyevskian. This, of course, is a complete misreading of body language and cultural norms.

In 1891, Russian Tsar Alexander III signed a document initiating the construction of the Trans-Siberian Railway. And not only is it the longest railway in the world; it's got some interesting stops along the line, too.

One of the most famous works of Russian literature, the four-act comedy in verse Woe from Wit skewers staid, nineteenth century Russian society, and it positively teems with “winged phrases” that are essential colloquialisms for students of Russian and Russian culture.

What do radio, television, the periodic table, and helicopters have in common? Russians were involved in developing all of them – and more!

KGB Chief Andropov has tapped Matyushkin to solve a brazen jewel heist from Picasso’s wife at the posh Metropole Hotel. But when the case bleeds over into murder, machinations, and international intrigue, not everyone is eager to see where the clues might lead.

Recycle your used plastic (milk jugs, yogurt containers, plastic bags, anything that can be repurposed) and create a work of art at the same time.This edition of the Museum's Pop-up Makerspace encourages children and families to find a second purpose for their single-use plastics that would otherwise end up in a landfill.

Mikhail Pletnev conducts the Russian National Orchestra during its February 2019 tour across the US. This concert in Palm Desert, CA features works by Rachmaninov.

Mikhail Pletnev conducts the Russian National Orchestra during its February 2019 tour across the US. This concert in Santa Barbara, CA features works by Rachmaninov.

Mikhail Pletnev conducts the Russian National Orchestra during its February 2019 tour across the US. This concert in Costa Mesa, CA features works by Glazunov, Chopin, and Prokofiev.

Mikhail Pletnev conducts the Russian National Orchestra during its February 2019 tour across the US. This concert in Davis, CA features works by Rachmaninov.

Mikhail Pletnev conducts the Russian National Orchestra during its February 2019 tour across the US. This concert in Davis, CA features works by Rachmaninov.

​Rimas Tuminas' adaptation of two novels by fellow Lithuanian, Grigory Kanovich, is a dreamy, ruminative, comedic road trip, centering around the parlous fortunes of Eastern European Jews at the start of the 20th century.

The 31st Annual Russian Festival at the Russian Center of San Francisco is a celebration of Russian food, music, song, dance and arts and crafts.

Featuring stars from the Russian National Orchestra and the Bolshoi Ballet. Expect an exhilarating evening of Russian ballet, including music from Swan Lake and other favorites.

Throughout history, humans have been found to use a variety of found and manipulated materials to adorn themselves for purposes including religious worship, rites of passage, and as powerful symbols of protection for the wearer.

Join Fitchburg Art Museum Curator Lisa Crossman for an engaging look at the art of Konstantin Simun in his latest exhibition, The Sacred in the Profane.

Yury Butusov's brilliant, award-winning staging of King Lear tells us a story in which the collapse of a family, the collapse of a country, and the collapse of an individual are all connected to each other.