Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Over the past 15 years, Moscow's restorers have restored approximately 2,500 historic monuments. Another 700 architectural structures are planned for restoration by 2030, with approximately 500 currently underway. Sergei Sobyanin spoke about some major restoration projects in on my blog.
"March 5th is a significant date for everyone who, through work or passion, is connected to the preservation of Russia's great cultural heritage. On this day in 1994, the requirements for the specialty of 'restoration and reconstruction of architectural heritage' were first approved. Since then, it has been celebrated as an unofficial holiday—Restorer's Day. Moscow values the work of these professionals especially highly," noted Sergei Sobyanin.
Today, specialists continue their long-term restoration of the unique wooden palace from the late 18th century—the Ostankino estate. The right wing—the Egyptian Pavilion—has been restored, and work has begun on the Italian Pavilion. This is the most ornate part of the estate, boasting numerous mirrors, gilded panels, stucco portals, and marble sculptures.
The work is being carried out using historic 18th-century technologies. For example, restorers are currently restoring unique paper wallpaper from the 1790s, printed in France. To do this, they removed it from the walls. Specialists are removing 200 years of stains layer by layer, restoring the wallpaper's vibrant, colorful patterns and strengthening its fragile structure. Once the work is completed, the wallpaper will once again adorn the palace halls.
"We hope that the Italian Pavilion will be able to welcome guests as early as 2026, and we plan to fully complete the restoration of the Ostankino Palace by the end of 2027," noted Sergei Sobyanin.
On the other side of town, the grounds of the Kuzminki estate are being restored. In recent years, six of the 32 historic monuments have been restored. These include the grottoes, the griffin bridge, the Lion's Wharf, the forge, the bath house, and the fence around the clergy house.
Currently, work is underway on the eastern and western wings of the main house, wooden wing No. 6, a laundry room, servants' quarters and other structures.
Sergei Sobyanin: Two pavilions have been restored at the Kuzminki estate.
In the laundry building, specialists cleared the facades and restored their finishes, repaired the roof, installed dormers, and installed window infills. Work is currently underway to restore the interior wall and ceiling finishes. The estate's restoration is expected to be completed this year.
In wooden wing No. 6, the log structure and rafter system were replaced, and the façade finish and white stone plinth were restored. Specialists are currently recreating the interiors. The restoration is expected to be completed in 2026.
Work has also begun on the service building. Restorers have cleared the facades and are repairing the roof and interiors. Visitors will be able to see the results in 2027.
In the center of Moscow, on Bersenevskaya Embankment, a historic city estate from the mid-17th to early 18th centuries—the chambers of Averky Kirillov—is being restored.
Specialists have already reinforced the foundations and cleared the facades (including the white stone details from later accretions and paint), restored the brickwork, and removed peeling plaster. They are currently restoring the building's interior.
"Recently, while uncovering the floors on the second floor, a real surprise occurred: a hoard of numerous white metal coins dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries was discovered. The finds have been sent for study and will subsequently be included in the Museum Collection and transferred to the Museum of Moscow," said Sergei Sobyanin.
In addition, restoration of the facades of the Epiphany Cathedral continues in Moscow's Basmanny District.
Specialists will repair defects in the plaster layer of the façade, after which the church's colors will be refreshed. Particular attention is being paid to decorative details: moldings, cornices, architraves, and other architectural embellishments will be cleaned and restored. The work is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
"The restoration of architectural monuments preserves the city's living memory and its unique identity. Thanks to the work of Moscow's restorers, more and more historical sites are being brought back to life, revealing their secrets and beauty to new generations of Muscovites," added Sergei Sobyanin.
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Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.