The Moscow government has approved an initiative by the Union of Restorers of Russia to establish mobile restoration schools across the country. These schools aim to train young specialists in practical restoration skills, addressing the growing need for skilled professionals in preserving cultural heritage. The decision was formalized by Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin, who emphasized the importance of hands-on experience for students in fields such as architecture, architectural restoration, and art conservation.
Participants will be selected through a competitive process, ensuring that only the most motivated and talented students gain access to these unique learning opportunities. The program will focus on significant cultural heritage sites, museum collections, and diocesan archives. Students will learn to conduct on-site assessments, restore historic interiors, and work with various artistic mediums, including tempera, oil, and monumental painting.
Moscow has become a leader in cultural heritage restoration, having restored over 2,300 architectural landmarks since 2011. This effort has drastically reduced the number of monuments in poor condition, with the share of well-maintained sites rising from 61% to 96.8%. Currently, around 400 objects are under restoration, showcasing the city's commitment to preserving its historical legacy.
In 2025, the program will expand to 12 locations, including Moscow, St. Petersburg, Sevastopol, and regions such as Kaliningrad, Nizhny Novgorod, and Tomsk. Approximately 150 participants are expected to join, with one-third coming from Moscow. The initiative aims to:
By immersing students in real-world restoration projects, the program seeks to inspire a new generation of professionals dedicated to safeguarding the nation's historical treasures.
