"Russia Enters the World": exhibition in New York

An exhibition called "Russia Enters the World" opens in the New York Public Library on Wednesday. According to its organizers, it is the USA's first Russia-dedicated exposition to be almost fully composed of rarities of Russian origin from the library's own collection.

The exhibition features about 160 items, including copies of Russia's first printed editions, antique maps, engravings, and etchings. Visitors will also have a chance to see the oldest of the United States' hand-written theological books in the Old Slavonic Cyrillic alphabet.

The opening ceremony includes a performance by young musicians from the International Charity Fund run by the famous Russian violinist and conductor Vladimir Spivakov.

The exhibition is part of a program of international festive events to honor the 300th anniversary of St. Petersburg and runs until January 31, 2004.