The Palace of Culture of the University is the center of students’ creative work and their aesthetic and moral education. Nearly 900 students are involved in artistic activities, and the results are impressive. The public theater of the Palace of Culture, founded in 1946, has staged more than 80 plays. Founded in 1962, the folk dancing ensemble “Kabluchok” is widely popular among students. In addition to being honored with 40 awards, the ensemble became the laureate of cultural programs at the XXI Olympic Games and the XII World Festival of Youth and Students.
It has become a tradition to hold the annual student festivals, “Golden Autumn in Timiryazevka” and “Spring in Timiryazevka”. Participation in these festivals unites both actors and audience, including faculty, students, and university staff.
The fine art studio is very popular, comprising about 300 students who take part in both city and university festivals and whose art works are regularly displayed.
The University also has a great athletic tradition, involving more than 700 students annually. A modern sport and recreation center includes a gym, swimming pools, hand-wrestling room, a stadium, a football field, tennis courts, and an exercise room. Students take part in 20 sports including basketball, volleyball, ping-pong, mini-football, darts, weight lifting, badminton, arm wrestling, sport aerobics, chess, ski racing, track-and-field events, and more. University athletic teams participate in 40 different competitive events in the Moscow Student Games. Students also take part in city-district competitions in mini-football, basketball, volleyball, and chess, where they regularly take home prizes.
The University also boasts a Horse Riding Hall and 42 stables. Riding is very popular among students and children from nearby areas. The Horse Riding Hall also contains a special section for the medical rehabilitation of children who suffer from locomotor system abnormalities.
