This lecture and accompanying exhibition explore the life and work of Mikhail Georgievich Kalashnikov (1886–1969), a pioneering architect, scholar, and artist whose career was devoted to the study and preservation of Georgia’s medieval religious monuments. Drawing on original family letters, archival documents, architectural drawings, and watercolors, the event reconstructs Kalashnikov’s intellectual formation and his lifelong engagement with sacred architecture.
The talk situates Kalashnikov’s work within the broader historical context of the late Russian Empire, the revolutionary period, and Soviet Georgia, highlighting the challenges of preserving cultural heritage amid political upheaval. Particular attention is given to his systematic documentation of churches and monasteries, his role in shaping modern Georgian architectural scholarship, and his belief that architecture could serve as a form of historical memory.
The exhibition extends the lecture by presenting visual materials that illuminate Kalashnikov’s dual identity as both scientist and artist. Together, the lecture and exhibition invite audiences to reflect on architecture as an enduring record of cultural identity, faith, and continuity.
The event will be followed by a small reception near the exhibition space.
Accessibility
The Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies at Harvard University encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact us at 617-495-4037 or daviscenter@fas.harvard.edu in advance of your participation or visit. Requests for Sign Language interpreters and/or CART providers should be made at least two weeks in advance if possible. Please note that the Davis Center will make every effort to secure services but that services are subject to availability.
