The debate surrounding the fate of the former “Rossiya” cinema, now known as “Pushkinsky,” on Moscow’s Pushkin Square has reignited following a proposal by designer Artemy Lebedev to demolish the structure. Lebedev argues that the building, despite its past significance, has become an outdated “piece of misunderstanding” in a prime location.

Lebedev suggests replacing the building with something “normal and new,” contrasting it with historically valuable cinemas like “Khudozhestvenny,” “Udarnik,” and “Polytech.” He believes the former “Rossiya” cinema should be demolished.

The building, constructed between 1957 and 1961, is currently recognized as a regional architectural monument. It housed a casino in the 1990s before being renamed “Pushkinsky.”

Real estate expert Petr Monich recently shared a video showing a piece of cladding falling from the building’s canopy, further highlighting its state of disrepair. Monich acknowledges the building as an iconic example of Soviet modernism and key to the city’s squares.

Alfa-Bank acquired the former “Rossiya” cinema in April 2024, with plans to develop a “non-commercial cultural project” at the site. Sources suggest that reconstruction of the existing building complex may be necessary for the project’s implementation.

While the building was renovated in 2017 and currently houses a musical theater, no major overhaul has been undertaken since. A new building is planned for the musical theater in the Tverskoy district.

The situation evokes a similar controversy from February 2024, when plans to reconstruct the circus building on Vernadsky Avenue sparked public outcry. The project, which involved demolishing the Soviet modernism monument, was met with criticism from Muscovites, urban planners, and preservationists. The plan was eventually scrapped, with a decision made to build a new circus in the Mnevniki floodplain instead.