Exhibition Lk 15, 11–32. Rembrandt. Dedication, Alexander Sokurov

It is said that Rembrandt’s The Return of the Prodigal Son is currently the crown of the Hermitage’s collection – and, perhaps, rightfully so. In this multimedia exhibition adapted from the original project presented at the Russian Pavilion at the 58th Venice Biennale of Contemporary Art, famous St. Petersburg director (teacher of the much talked-of Balagov) Alexander Sokurov reconsiders this Biblical tale. By combining paintings, music, sculpture and video pieces, the author is looking for new meanings in this centuries-old story, reinstating the relevance of all-forgiveness in the present day. Is it simply a one-man story or a lesson to be learned by all? Just a heads-up if you decide to find out: the tickets can now be purchased online, but as a student you are entitled to a free visit on the third Thursday of every month (just make sure you book the ticket online and in advance). 

VII Icebreaker Festival 

This is an event for those who spent their childhood reading about world-famous explorers and dreaming about one day becoming one of them – sailing to unknown lands through all storms and hardships (raises hand). Though I am sure the “waltzing” icebreakers that are to be seen on the Neva river starting from 5:30 pm September 19 will be a show to attract even those unfamiliar with the story of Arctic expeditions. Also in the program are all your typical festival singing and dancing, as well as films and tours of the five icebreaker ships located in St. Petersburg. The Krasin icebreaker-museum, located on the Leytenanta Shmidta Embankment will turn into a lecture hall with talks from museum researchers. All hands on deck! 

All You Need Is Bike Festival 

  • September 19, starts at 1 pm 
  • Yuzhnaya alleya, Primorsky Victory Park 
  • Free entrance 

If you’ve managed to somehow miss ITMO’s annual Bike Ride with the Rector, or you simply are a fan of bikes and want to close this season off in style, this is an event for you. Held in St. Petersburg for the fifth time, this is a celebration of life as much as of bike-riding. This year’s theme is hippies, and thus the participants are expected to dress up and embellish their bikes in a variety of colors – the only advice from the organizers being to try and make the decorations and costumes eco-friendly. Though the main feature of the event is a 20 km bike ride, you don’t need a bike to participate, everyone is welcome to join this iridescent festival. Just don’t forget to check the weather forecast before you set off! 

Fantasy Garden 2.0: Mystical Worlds Exhibition Open Again

  • July 6 – November 8, 11 am – 11 pm
  • Lumiere Hall creative space 
  • Tickets from 400 rubles 

Again, just in case you missed the installment of this exhibition that started on January 1, you now have another chance to visit this land of dreams – from nightmares to sci-fi fantasies, and learn more about the current standing of sleep researchers along the way. If you need more to lure you in, the fee also includes a visit to the interactive Aivazovsky exhibition and the multimedia exposition devoted to the UK-based Banksy.