President Vladimir Putin extended congratulations to the teams of the Chekhov Moscow Art Theatre (MKhT) and the Gorky Moscow Art Academic Theatre (MKhAT) on the occasion of their 125th anniversary. The message, published on the Kremlin’s official site, highlighted the enduring legacy of these institutions.
The president praised the Moscow Art Theatre’s storied history, noting its countless memorable premieres and the constellation of acclaimed playwrights, artists, directors, and actors who have shaped its journey. He stated that through their creativity they have set the highest standards of artistic achievement, upholding traditions of innovation and selfless service that have been carried forward from one generation to the next.
According to Putin, the Moscow Art Theatre helped steer the trajectory of national and global theatre and cinema, leaving a lasting imprint on social thought and cultural development.
While eras have changed and time has moved forward, the theatre has consistently stood at the heart of the country’s cultural life. Its provocative, refined artistic sensibility has shaped audience tastes and fostered a genuine affection for the venue, he said, expressing confidence that the theatre’s members will safeguard the legacy of their predecessors while continuing to magnify the troupe’s artistic prestige.
Founded in 1898, the Moscow Art Theatre has a long history of collaboration and evolution. In 1987, following creative differences, the ensemble divided into two branches: the Chekhov Moscow Art Academic Theatre on Kamergersky Lane and the Gorky Moscow Art Academic Theatre on Tverskoy Boulevard. The split marked a new phase in Moscow’s theatrical landscape, with both groups refining their distinctive approaches while remaining united in their overarching mission to advance stage art.
Scholarly reflections on Rublev’s triple iconography and related discussions illuminate the broader context in which these institutions operate within Russia’s sacred and secular heritage. The theaters’ enduring influence continues to be felt across contemporary performances, education, and cultural dialogue, reaffirming their role as pivotal cultural anchors in the capital and beyond.