The new British Embassy in Moscow was officially opened by the Princess Royal on 17th May 2000. The Foreign Secretary, Robin Cook, said at the opening, 'It is an Embassy built for partnership. Designed to be a wider gateway between our two countries and to provide an even better service to both Russian and British citizens who pass through that gateway'.

The new building provides the Embassy with modern and efficient office accommodation and facilities so that it can best carry out its diplomatic, commercial, cultural and visa-issuing activities on behalf of Britain, and to project to the Russian people an up-to-date image of Britain today. The previous separate Embassy offices at Sofiyskaya and Kutuzovsky were inefficient, outdated and inadequate, and the distance between them produced additional inefficiencies. The new building also includes 31 flats for British staff to replace old or expensive accommodation that was leased elsewhere in Moscow.

The building at 10 Smolenskaya Embankment, comprises a total floor area of 21,200 m2 and seeks to display the best of British design, furniture and the visual arts. There is a reception/exhibition area, a multi-purpose hall and conference facilities.

These will be used to project Britain commercially and culturally. Visual Arts and Furniture, to exhibit the best of modern British design, have been integrated into the building since its inception. Tess Jaray's forecourt in different granites, Norman Ackroyd's tall etching of Wardour Castle in copper, Alexander Beleschenko's glass wall and Roman Halter's bronze Coat of Arms are all in place. Artworks also include pieces by Michael Craig-Martin, Langlands and Bell, Juan Cruz, Martin McGinn, Alex Hartley. There are prints by students and other artists throughout the building. There is seating by furniture designers Robin Day, Scott, Irvine, Ron Arad and Matthew Hilton in the reception/exhibition areas. Richard Burton and Luke Hughes designed and made the furniture for the Ambassador's and Minister's offices.

A series of widely differing events have been held in the new Embassy, promoting ties between the UK and Russia. These have ranged from seminars by British and Russian organisations, exhibitions by Russian and British artists, a fashion show, graduation ceremonies by British universities and concerts by Russian musicians.

What people are saying about the Embassy

'If diplomacy is the art of presenting your country in the best possible light, the new Embassy is itself a symbol of the achievements that have made Britain so pre-eminent in the visual arts in recent years.'
The Daily Telegraph, 3 May 2000

'The result is a beautiful and elegant building, efficient and pleasant to live and work in. It represents Britain in a way that people should be proud of.'
The Sunday Times, 9 January 2000

'The new Moscow Embassy is... a dignified public building for the 21st century, an investment which reflects a progressive view of Britain in a country which is itself in a state of rapid transition. It is a refreshing new landmark in a city which has more than its share of monuments from the past.'
The Royal Academy Magazine, number 66, Spring 2000