Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –
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On the Day of the Cultural Worker, employees of museums under the jurisdiction To the Moscow Department of Culture, shared stories about how and why they chose their profession, what they see as the purpose of their work, and what they consider most important.
Be useful and share knowledge
Oleg Krzhizhanovsky, head of the exhibition department State Museum of the Defense of MoscowA candidate of pedagogical sciences, he has been involved in exhibition work for over 15 years. His extensive experience formed the basis of his dissertation.
"I firmly believe that a museum should educate. And this must be done skillfully, avoiding moralizing or a didactic tone. A museum has many tools, and we strive to structure our exhibitions so that they convey the necessary narratives. Many of our visitors are school-age children, and if we, museum workers, manage to convey the right messages to them, then our work is beneficial. This is how I see the purpose of my work—everyone should be in their place," says Oleg Krzhizhanovsky.
Administrator Moscow State Museum of S.A. Yesenin Sofia Lapidus has been working here for over seven years. Before that, her professional interests were also linked to poetry: Sofia led a literary workshop at the Moscow Longevity, traveled with poets to St. Petersburg, read poetry on the Gulf of Finland—and was the only one who performed not her own compositions, but works by authors of the Silver Age, including Sergei Yesenin.
"Working at a literary museum has opened up more opportunities to do what I love—sharing knowledge about literature, reading Sergei Yesenin's poems, and discussing his life and work. Being the link between the poet and museum guests is a great responsibility, but also a valuable experience. I've noticed, for example, that the poem 'The Golden Grove Has Dissuaded' often moves visitors to tears—it touches something deep within each person. The Silver Age of Russian poetry, the time of decadence, as it was then called, has always intrigued me, and I dreamed of telling people about it. Now, seven years later at the Sergei Yesenin Museum, I can confidently say that this is a dream come true. Working here is a true joy!" says Sofia Lapidus.
Be open to dialogue and new ideas
For Ivan Nazarov, Deputy Director Mikhail Bulgakov MuseumFor Ivan Nazarov, a candidate of philological sciences, this year is special: he's preparing to celebrate his "museum coming of age" and begin 18 years of service within the walls of a "bad apartment." Ivan Nazarov joined the museum in the fall of 2008 as a junior research fellow.
"We're talking to an audience of millions and must always be prepared for a variety of twists and turns. We might be approached by a seasoned Bulgakov scholar or a schoolchild, fresh from a field trip, who's just discovered the author of 'The Master and Margarita' for the first time. It could be a director working on a new film adaptation of the novel, or a student intern dreaming of creating a computer game based on Bulgakov's stories. We strive to find common ground with everyone and are always open to this dialogue," says Ivan Nazarov.
Curator and Head of the Russian Art Sector Moscow Museum of Modern Art Vladimir Prokhorov has worked at the Moscow Museum of Modern Art (MMOMA) since its founding (25 years now), joining the museum immediately after graduating. Vladimir Prokhorov has witnessed the museum's growth and development, from its first exhibition, assembled with the support of regional museums, to major projects and tours across the country.
"In 1999, I couldn't have imagined how my future and career would unfold. But then a golden opportunity presented itself. Our department at the institute announced that the newly opened Tsereteli Museum—as the Moscow Museum of Modern Art was then known—was recruiting young specialists. I joined the team, along with a small group of my classmates. Soon, in 2000, I was hired permanently at the museum. It was a truly exciting experience. The first exhibition featured masterpieces from regional museums—works by Kazimir Malevich, Wassily Kandinsky, and Aristarkh Lentulov," the curator recalls.
Vladimir Prokhorov also began working on exhibitions. Initially, this was an unfamiliar but very dynamic job—he had to learn contemporary art literally on the fly.
"New horizons in our work opened up around 2014–2015. That's when the museum began actively organizing regional exhibitions. We traveled to other cities with our projects, and in return, we hosted exhibitions from other regions. This turned out to be a completely different experience: we worked in different venues, took local specifics into account, and interacted with colleagues. This exchange provided additional incentive, broadened our professional and creative horizons, and overall made the work more vibrant and interesting. New things always inspire and motivate. We continue to move on this wave," shares Vladimir Prokhorov.
Bringing art closer and bringing joy to children
Elena Golovina, a research fellow at the MMOMA Art Popularization Department, began her creative career as a tour guide.
"In 2016, I almost by chance found myself working as a mediator on a project at a Russian museum. It was one of those times when 'just trying it out' suddenly turns into a twist of fate. The project turned out to be a true immersion into contemporary art, into audio and visual experiments, into conversations that continue within you even after the shift ends. I enrolled in the Russian State University for the Humanities, majoring in art history, because it became clear that this wasn't a passing interest; it was already a part of me. I've been at MMOMA for eight years. I started as a guide—with excitement, searching for my own voice, trying to hold the group's attention and remember what I wanted to say. And today I'm a research fellow in the art popularization department. My colleagues and I design tours for children and adults, give lectures, and seek ways to talk about art in a way that brings it closer to people," notes Elena Golovina.
Museum curator Tamara Rodicheva serves inK.G. Paustovsky Museum For over 40 years. Her museum career began in 1986, when the K.G. Paustovsky People's Museum moved into a building on Kuzminskaya Street. She became an assistant to the first director, Ilya Komarov, and later became the museum accountant. Today, Tamara Vasilyevna is an indispensable employee, not just a caretaker, but a true custodian of the K.G. Paustovsky Museum's fine traditions.
Anastasia Stalnaya, head of the Children's Tsaritsyno sector inTsaritsyno Museum-Reserve, had been volunteering since her first year at university. She enjoyed organizing various events, participating in mediations, and other volunteer activities.
"I currently work with children at the museum. This is probably no coincidence, as I myself participated in the museum's school club as a child and loved telling interesting stories about the objects housed there. In the children's section, I develop programs for children and parents, primarily related to our architectural heritage, our collection, and also music. I enjoy combining various teaching methods from the worlds of music, folk culture, museum education, and art education in creative encounters. Such a diversity of themes and exhibitions allows me to invent and learn as many interesting things as possible. When you see the response from children and parents who return year after year, you realize you're on the right track. The recognition, trust, and joy of visitors, young and old, inspire me and encourage me to continue creating," says Anastasia Stalnaya.
The decree establishing Cultural Workers' Day was signed in 2007. The holiday brings together representatives of creative professions, artists, and custodians and promoters of cultural heritage.
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