The article is devoted to interstate project Cultural Capitals of the Commonwealth. The authors consider the project is considered as one of the key initiatives of the CIS countries in the sphere of culture. The article analyzes the history of documentary basis, the number of participants, directions and forms of implementation of the project. Special attention is given to the project Cultural Capital of Europe, which became the basis for the project of the CIS countries. The authors raise a question about whether the project Cultural Capitals of the Commonwealth become a tool to enhance cultural cooperation of the CIS countries.