The Russian Cultural Centre is the official home of Russian culture in the United States. It is created pursuant to a bilateral agreement between the United States and Russia providing for cultural centers in both countries. The purpose of the RCC is to develop and maintain positive relations between the Russian and American people by sponsoring activities in the areas of Education, The Arts, Commerce, Athletics and Science.
The Centre became a reality in December 1997, when the Russian Government officially endorsed the project and assigned its Consulate building on Phelps Place in Washington DC for the Centre.
The RCC building, whose early American occupants owned the Hope Diamond and Washington Post, is a museum, research library, classroom of Russian language and a stage for exhibits and performing arts.
The RCC in Washington is subordinate to the Russian Center for International Scientific and Cultural Cooperation - RCISCC - a federal agency of the Russian Federation which works under the direction of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Culture and in partnership with the Russian Association for International Cooperation. The Center headquarters is in Moscow and has representation and field Centers of Russian Culture and Science in 62 countries around the world.
The RCC has an American companion supporting organization, the Friends of the Russian Cultural Centre (FRCC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, which assists with financial support and a reservoir of volunteers with a variety of talents and expertise. See above on becoming a member.
The RCC cooperates with the numerous American-Russian organizations throughout the United States and has liaisons with universities and cultural institutions across the U.S. and Russia.
The spirit of Russian-American cooperation is embodied at the Centre in the "Russian-American Room" which will chronicle and exhibit the important events throughout history in which Russians and Americans have joined together for common goals.
The Centre promotes historic and cultural heritage of Russia, its national and foreign policies, scientific, cultural, intellectual potential, and supports public diplomacy initiatives, People-to People and Sister Cities exchanges. The Centre serves as a forum for Russian-American activities in the areas of education, the arts, commerce, athletics and science. The spirit of Russian-American cooperation will be embodied at the Centre in the "Russian-American Room" which will chronicle and exhibit the important events throughout history in which Russians and Americans have joined together for common goals.
The goal of the RCC is "That our two nations will never again polarize". We believe that the best way to achieve that goal is through joint cultural activities - which can only lead to understanding, cooperation and friendship. Our purpose is to provide a safe harbor and forum where Russians and Americans can learn, experience, work together, and enjoy the culture of the other.