Contemporary Art Galleries and Performance Spaces in St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg is proud to be called "cultural capital" of Russia. However, until recently in terms of contemporary art St. Petersburg was far behind Moscow with just a few underground galleries, like Pushkinskaya, 10 and Borey Art Center. To the delight of art-lovers during last few years the city has seen an opening of two important contemporary art museums - Erarta and Novy, several lofts (Etagi, Rizzordi Art Foundation) and quite a few galleries. The whole island with former military warehouses called New Holand was given for rennovation and is soon-to-become a new art space. Still not as money-oriented as in Moscow, St. Petersburg's scene is bursting with new talent and the local galleries often have interesting events hosting the local and international artists. Among private commercial private art galleries Marina Gisich Gallery deserves special attention.