Russian Cultural Center

The Russian Cultural Center is a museum housed in a three-story building at Phelps Place NW that retains classical architectural features throughout. The facility contains a specialized library of Russian literature, exhibition galleries, and event spaces dedicated to cultural programming.

The building was purchased by the Soviet government in 1957 and originally served as a school for embassy children. Following a bilateral agreement in 1998, it was transformed into the cultural center that operates today.

The center serves as a showcase for Russian artists and cultural practitioners who perform and display their work on the premises regularly. Visitors encounter an active program of performances, film screenings, and exhibitions that highlight artistic creation across Russia.

The center welcomes visitors to its exhibitions, which can be accessed without advance notice, while special events are typically announced beforehand. Guests should check what is currently on view or scheduled, as offerings change throughout the year.

The opening of the center in December 1999 was publicly announced by Valentina Tereshkova, the first woman in space. This connection between Soviet space history and the center's cultural mission makes its founding particularly noteworthy.