Major renovation continues at the Gorky Theater. How the building will change PHOTOS
Under the paneling above the balcony, an old vault with authentic paintings has been preserved. In the building, Moorish brickwork is also being restored, a chandelier weighing more than half a ton is undergoing restoration, and a stage is being prepared from beneath which actors will be able to appear.
The major renovation of the Maxim Gorky Theater in Minsk is nearing completion, reports "Minsk-Novosti". The troupe has been working outside the walls of their theater for more than two years.
Construction of the building began in 1902 as a choral synagogue in the Moorish style. After the war, it was handed over to the Russian drama theater. A reconstruction in the 1950s significantly changed the facade: instead of a large arch, a portico with six columns and a triangular pediment appeared.
Now, some of the old architectural details are being uncovered once again.
Decorative masonry featuring alternating multicolored bricks was preserved under the plaster. It has been cleaned and restored. On the ground floor, two previously bricked-up windows were reopened, preserving their historical dimensions.
The side walls were painted terracotta—the shade of the old brick was matched using physicochemical analysis. And the granite on the steps of the main entrance changed from dark gray to reddish-brown.
According to archival photographs, the pillars of the synagogue's fence will be restored. They will now be used as theater poster columns.
Remnants of old cobblestone pavement were also found near the foundation; during the landscaping of the grounds, paving stones imitating it will be laid.
In the auditorium, a barrel vault with stucco moldings and paintings from 1904 has been restored. Special stencils were used to recreate the patterns, and the composition of the old primer and paint was studied in advance.
An unexpected discovery was made above the balcony: after the paneling was removed, another authentic painted vault was revealed. Theatergoers will also be able to see it.
The number of seats in the hall will be reduced due to modern fire safety requirements. On the other hand, ventilation is provided beneath each seat, and part of the walls has been paneled to improve acoustics.
The stage equipment has been automated: scenery, curtains, and lighting will be controlled from a console.
Two special trapdoors have also been added, allowing performers to descend beneath the stage or emerge from under it.
“A new stage flooring is planned—an essential element for the artists. It must be level and durable, as sets are erected on it. Sometimes several tons move across the stage during a performance,” said theater director Natallia Hramyka.
It was decided to restore the huge chandelier on site: it weighs more than 500 kilograms. Craftsmen are working from scaffolding, cleaning the crystal elements and restoring the gold leaf coating on the metal parts.
A full-length sculpture of Maxim Gorky will be installed in the foyer. Lecturers from the Belarusian State Academy of Arts are currently working on it.
Construction and installation work is scheduled to finish by the end of autumn, after which equipment tuning will begin. All 32 productions in the repertoire will need to be adapted to the new lighting and sound systems.
“If all goes well, we will begin showing performances in the renovated building in late winter or early spring of 2027,” Hramyka said.
They plan to stage “The Count of Monte Cristo” first.