Memory of Russia: Restoration of the Monument to Minin and Pozharsky completed on the eve of the National Unity Day

The restoration of the monument to Nizhny Novgorod Elder Kuzma Minin and Prince Dmitry Pozharsky was completed on the eve of the National Unity Day. The monument, located in Red Square in Moscow, is the symbol of the holiday.

“More than two hundred years ago, thanks to the people’s initiative and national movement, this monument was installed in Red Square and now continues to be the symbol of the selfless service to the Motherland, fortitude and great citizenship”, – Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation Tatiana Golikova said. She noted that the opening of the monument after restoration highlights the connection of times.

“Our attitude towards this event should be expressed in the consolidation of the people and society, as it happened when the decision was made to open this monument at the heart of our country, in Red Square”, – she added.

In August 2018, the State Historical Museum announced the All-Russian fundraising campaign for the restoration of the monument to Minin and Prince Pozharsky.

“Such complicated restoration costs about 50 million rubles. Over 30 million were provided by the Ministry of Culture, but the most important contribution was made by the people who wanted to participate, to help on their own and their family’s behalf. It is also important that there is a socially active business”, – Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation Olga Lyubimova noted.

The project on the first in two hundred years complex restoration of the monument was headed by the architect Alexei Zhdanov. Considering the state of the sculpture composition and its size, all work was carried out within the conditions of a workshop built directly around the monument.

The monument was created by the Russian sculptor Ivan Martos. Initially, the monument was supposed to be installed in Red Square across the Upper Trading Rows. The solemn opening of the monument took place on February 20, 1818 in the presence of Alexander I and members of the royal family. In August 1931, the monument was moved to the territory of the Pokrovsky Cathedral.