Dmitry Lookianov photographs Soviet Palaces of Culture in his book, Dkdance.

In the former Soviet Union, Palaces of Culture—known in Russian as Dvrortzi Kultury, or DKs—were important community centers. They hosted dance performances, hobby groups, and movie screenings. Today, many still stand, but few are operational or properly funded. 

Almost two years ago, Dmitry Lookianov started driving around central Russia to document what remains of 18 of these places, including simple wooden rural clubs and huge constructivist buildings of the Stalin era, for his book, Dkdance. While some of the DKs are still used, he found many in bad shape and in need of repair. Mostly, his photos represent a tradition in decline.