Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –
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Throughout 2025, Moscow residents actively participated in preserving the city's historical and cultural heritage: they maintained cultural heritage sites, helped organize events to promote the capital's heritage, and participated in archaeological excavations and restoration work on historical monuments.
The top five volunteers received special recognition. Department of Cultural Heritage of the City of Moscow (Moscow City Heritage) — thanks to their efforts, they were able to organize approximately 280 events. The most active volunteer coordinator personally supervised over 60 events over the course of the year.
"Currently, the Mosgornaslediya volunteer movement comprises around 200 people of various ages. Among them are children, experienced volunteers, and entire families. They don't just participate in a single event; they provide ongoing support and strive to explore various areas. In total, over two thousand events involving volunteers were held in 2025, representing over six thousand hours of volunteer time. Volunteers continue to work at Mosgornaslediya-sponsored events, including tours and master classes. We thank our volunteers for their contribution to the preservation and promotion of the capital's cultural heritage and are always happy to welcome new participants," said the head of the Moscow Department of Cultural Heritage.
Volunteers bore a heavy responsibility and workload, as in 2025, the Days of Historical and Cultural Heritage lasted for almost a full year for the first time—from April to December. During excursions, volunteers greeted participants, kept lists, distributed necessary equipment, maintained order, and took photographs. During lectures, they helped both attendees and lecturers navigate the venues and supported presentations. During master classes, volunteers distributed materials, monitored cleanliness, and assisted children with any difficulties they encountered while making crafts.
At the Lesnaya Depot gastronomic center, during the "Heritage Weekend" theme days on International Museum Day and City Day, volunteers invited guests to participate in exhibition events, talked about the history and restoration of cultural heritage sites, and explained how to use images of monuments to customize items (T-shirts, pins, and tote bags) and create decorative items such as mosaics, stained glass, and other elements.
Volunteers played an active role in organizing the "Heritage" youth forum. They coordinated the tour and educational programs. A special assignment was a tour for students of the Moscow Wool Weaving Manufactory's production building, which is currently undergoing restoration. Volunteers distributed hard hats and strictly enforced safety regulations. During the forum's business program, they greeted participants and speakers, helped prepare handouts, and handled registration.
Volunteers also worked on interactive events within the projects Summer in Moscow And Winter in Moscow, at the forum-festival Territory of the Future. Moscow 2030They also made a significant contribution to the "Guides to Moscow History" exhibition at the P.P. Ignatyeva-N.A. Belkin estate, where they served as caretakers and advised visitors on more than 100 exhibits.
A significant portion of the work involved preventative maintenance of heritage sites. In 2025, 25 events were held and 70 historical, memorial, and archaeological sites were treated. During the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland, volunteers cared for 23 graves of WWII veterans.
Among the year's highlights was the nighttime cleaning of the "Metro Builders" mural at Komsomolskaya station (Sokolnicheskaya Line), when the metro was closed to visitors. Volunteers also cleaned and conserved the bust of Argentina's national hero, José de San Martín, restoring the monument to its original appearance. For Archaeologist's Day, volunteers restored archaeological sites within the city limits. Students and faculty from the College of Architecture, Design, and Reengineering No. 26 participated in the outings, maintaining two sites under the supervision of specialists.
Media volunteers played a special role. Four of the most active of them took and submitted over a thousand reportage photographs. These images were used to cover the events, as well as illustrations for the "Discover Moscow" portal and the "Winter in Moscow" and "Summer in Moscow" projects.
Some events required additional preparation. Volunteers who wanted to expand their knowledge of the capital's historical and cultural heritage and its preservation participated in the "Cultural Heritage Volunteer School" project, which has been implemented by the Moscow Department of Cultural Heritage in collaboration with the Mosvolonter Resource Center and the State Research Institute for Restoration since 2024. This project was initiated at the request of the volunteers themselves. In 2025, work continued within the framework of the two training tracks—"Restoration" and "Archaeology." Volunteers were able not only to attend lectures but also to apply their acquired knowledge in practical classes and visit real archaeological excavations in central Moscow. Recognition of their mastery and confirmation of their acquired skills came through the participation of the project graduates in the specialized exhibition "PROrestoration," where volunteers, together with restorers, preserved elements of the black metal sign of the "Entuziast" movie theater.
As part of the city's "Heritage" festival, the most active volunteers of the Moscow City Heritage Department were presented with certificates and awards, thanking them for their contribution to the preservation and promotion of the capital's cultural heritage.
Already in the new year, volunteers continue to assist organizers in holding events as part of such a major city project as "Winter in Moscow" and many others.
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