1874
September 27 (October 9, new style)
Born in St. Petersburg on September 27 (October 9, new style).
1883
Enrolled in Karl May gymnasium in St. Petersburg.
1893
Enrolled in the Academy of Fine Arts and simultaneously in the Law School of St. Petersburg University. Completed a full curriculum in history.
1897
Received diploma in Fine Arts from Academy of Fine Arts.
1898
Graduated from the Law School of the University. Worked for the magazine “Art and Art Industry”. For his significant archaeological findings and scientific publications elected a Member of The Russian Archaeological Society.
1900
Studied under Cormon in Paris.
1901
Married Helena Shaposhnikova. Began his work as Secretary for the Society for the Encouragement of Fine Arts.
1903-1904
Travelled extensively through the ancient cities in Russia, and conducted archaeological excavations.
1902-1905
Exhibitions in St. Petersburg, Moscow, and abroad.
1906
Appointed as Director of the School for the Encouragement of Fine Arts.
Elected a Member of the Salon d’Autumn in Paris.
1909
Elected Academician of the Russian Imperial Academy of Fine Arts. Began his theatre work with Sergei Diaghilev for the Russian Seasons in Paris.
1910
Became first President of the reorganized Society of artists, “World of Art” (Mir Iskusstva).
1912
Worked with Igor Stravinsky and Vaslav Nizhinsky on the ballet “Rite of Spring” (libretto, stage set, and costume design).
1916
Moved with his family to Sortavala, Karelia, for health reasons, but continued his work in Petrograd.
1917
Moved with his family to Finland.
1919
Departed from Finland for Scandinavia and London. Exhibited in Britain. Produced stage designs for Russian operas in Covent Garden.
1920-1923
Exhibited in the USA. His artistic and educational work included establishing the Master Institute of United Arts, and the Society of artists, “Corona Mundi”.
1923
In May, departed from New York, and via Europe proceeded to India.
1924
Undertakes scientific expeditions in Sikkim and Dhutan.
Nicholas Roerich Museum established in New York.
1925-1928
Headed a major Central-Asian expedition, and in 1926 visited Moscow and Altai.
1929
Travelled to Europe and America. Initiated his effort for development of a Pact for the preservation of cultural treasures of all nations.
1931-1940
Directed scientific research activities in the Himalayan Research Institute “Urusvati”. Conducted expeditions to the regions adjacent to Kulu Valley.
1934-1935
Headed a significant expedition for the United States government to Manchuria and China; visited Japan.
1936-1947
Remained in Kulu Valley, devoting himself to painting and writing.
1941-1944
Exhibited and sold paintings, with the proceeds donates to the forces fighting against Nazi Germany.
Elected Honorary President of the American-Russian Cultural Association.
1946
Preparation for return to Russia.
1947
December 13
On December 13, died in Naggar, Kulu.
