International events: Cultural Exchange Year for Russia and Spain launched

On February 25 2011, St. Petersburg the President of Russia Dmitry Medvedev and the King Juan Carlos I of Spain will launch the Cultural Exchange Year of two countries.

The program of the “years” features more than 350 events, including tours of renowned creative groups, performances of famous conductors and musicians, major exhibitions, conferences, investment forums and symposiums. Spain will also see presentations of economic and investment potential of several Russia’s regions.

On February 25 2011 heads of two states will attend the opening ceremony of an exhibition “Prado in Hermitage”, that will give a start to the Year of Spain in Russia and the Year of Russia in Spain.

Director of the Museo Nacional del Prado Miguel Zugaza said that the exhibition at the State Hermitage Museum would be opened by portraits of kings — Titian’s Charles I, Diego Velázquez’s Philip IV, Charles III of Spain by Mengs and Fernando VII by Goya.

Other works brought from Spain to the Northern capital include those by El Greco, Velázquez, Goya, Titian, Rubens, Moreau, Luis Meléndez, Juan Pantoja de la Cruz, Watteau and others.

The Hermitage in its turn will bring to Madrid 170 exhibits featuring not just paintings but also archaeological artifacts (Scythian gold), sculptures, works of applied art.