Heart of Dubna woven from human stories
About how "Mir" was born
In April 1956, three months before Dubna officially became a city, the Cultural Centre had opened its doors. Its discovery was a real holiday for young science: after all, it was timed to coincide with the establishment of the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research. In those years, Dubna only acquired the features of the city and the Cultural Centre became its first cultural heart. At first, the institution was called the Cultural Centre OMK‑22 (Separate assembly plant No. 22) and only in the early 1970s, the name "Mir" was assigned to it. And in this name - a huge meaning: here, they really always tried to create a space where different people, various talents, diverse generations meet.
Courtyard of happiness and childhood
The memories of the courtyard with a cafe, summer veranda and dance floor are especially tender. It was a place where adults could relax and children could feel a little bit like adults, choosing a scoop of ice cream and citrus soda. People came here not only for food, but also for a sense of community: to talk, to laugh, to share the news. And when in 1964, the courtyard had to be removed for the sake of adding a new hall, many took it as a small loss. But at the same time, they understood: the city increases, science requires large spaces and the Cultural Centre should keep up with this increase. A branch of the Cultural Centre opened in house No. 1 on Molodezhnaya Street; films were shown here.
Beauty in detail
By August 1964, Dubna was preparing to host the International Conference on High Energy Physics. A place was needed that would accommodate all the participants and a solution was found: a new hall with 750 seats was added to the building from the side of the embankment. "An amphitheater hall is being built that will create great amenities for the audience. The current hall will become a foyer, if necessary, this room can be used as an auditorium, since there will be removable chairs and a movie booth... A few words about the design of the auditorium. Outwardly, it will resemble the Palace of Congresses. A suspended ceiling made of wavy slate, walls trimmed with a wooden rack covered with light green plastic will make the hall modern, beautiful," they wrote in the newspaper "For Communism" in the summer of 1964.
It was a real labor feat: people worked in two shifts to be in time for the deadline – 25 July, 1964, so that scientists from all over the world felt welcome here. And even though the facades of the new part were simpler than the elegant neoclassicism of the 1950s, the interiors turned out to be surprisingly soulful. Emerald lamellas on the walls, wooden armchairs, a wavy ceiling that gently scatters light - all this created a feeling of comfort in a large hall. Until now, the interior of the large hall is admired by many artists. When viewed from the stage, the backs of the chairs form an impeccably even rectangle - and this simplicity has its own, very human beauty.
And the curtain that depicts the process of radioactive decay on the left and the model of an atom on the right, became a sign of how the Cultural Centre “Mir” always knew how to unite science and art. On the sides of the stage are the flags of the JINR Member States: this is not only a symbol of international status, but also a reminder that culture can speak a language that everyone understands.
Foundation for creative endeavors
People are the main value of the Cultural Centre. Their legacy lives not only in history, but also in the fate of several generations of Dubna citizens. Directors, creative staff, leaders of after-school activities and collectives made an invaluable contribution to the establishment of the Cultural Centre “Mir” as the main cultural centre of Dubna and their work became the foundation for dozens of creative endeavors.
For 70 years of a glorious path, Directors were: Oleg Zakharovich Grachev (until 1958), Grigory Zinovievich Peremot (1958–1961), Fedor Vasilievich Chumakov (1961), Leonid Vasilievich Turkin (1961–1969), Alla Spiridonovna Komkova (1969–1971), Yury Alekseevich Chudomeev (1972–1974), Violetta Yakovlevna Mukhoyarova (1974–1978), Bella Timofeevna Bikbova (1978–2003), Sergey Henrikhovich Ferdzhulyan (2003–2017), Tatyana Vladimirovna Romanenkova (2018–2021). Since 2021, Director of the Cultural Centre “Mir” has been Eleonora Robertovna Yamaleeva.
A film studio in the city, theater studios, VIE, a folk dance ensemble, a ballet studio, pop and brass bands, a photo club, a literary circle, a disco club, an amateur song club, several choral groups appeared in the Cultural Centre for the first time... All facets of cultural leisure, including tours of famous theaters, musicians, creative festivals, international meetings, have been presented in “Mir” for decades. Hundreds of young Dubna citizens have absorbed this unique cultural code thanks to people who created a special atmosphere that unites generations.
Bella Timofeevna Bikbova stood at the helm of the Cultural Centre “Mir” for a quarter of a century and during these 25 years, she not only headed, but literally breathed life into the Cultural Centre. She was known as someone who would never say “it’s impossible”. In the 1970–1980s, new studios and creative associations were opened with her in the Cultural Centre and in the difficult 1990s, "Mir" was the very place where people went for light, music and the feeling that they were expected here. Colleagues recalled: Bella Timofeevna had a rare gift - she knew how to discern talent even in a timid, barely audible undertaking and let it increase. And the audience and team members felt the main thing: behind this Director's chair sits a person who sincerely cares. That is why, for many, she became not just a leader, but the heart of “Mir” - warm, caring, infinitely devoted to her work.
Memory that warms
The Cultural Centre "Mir" is forever associated with the name of Vladimir Vysotsky. He performed here many times and his songs resonated with scientists, engineers, students - everyone who was looking for truth and strength in art. Today, these concerts are reminded of a memorial plaque on the facade and a monument by the sculptor Oleg Yanovsky. Since 2003, the address of the Cultural Centre has been Vysotsky Alley, house 1. And in the very name of the alley, there is respect for the past and a desire to keep the link of times.
The house that lives
Today, in the poster "Mir" - performances, concerts, film screenings, lectures, festivals, evenings of national cultures. Creative studios still work here, where children and adults learn to hear music, feel the rhythm, understand the word.
But the most valuable thing in the Cultural Centre “Mir” is - people. Those who go on stage, those who sit in the hall, those who prepare posters, sell tickets, wash floors, adjust the light and sound. They each make sure this house stays alive. And while music sounds here, while the lights on the stage light up, while the audience applauds the artists - this house will be the heart of Dubna.
Elena Lazareva