Across Russia, the Night of Museums will be dedicated to the theme Heroes, a choice tied to the national year designated Defender of the Fatherland. The Ministry of Culture and the St. Petersburg Museum Society support the plan to shape the event around heroic narratives, signaling a nationwide effort to blend memory, history, and culture into a single annual celebration [Official statement].
The culture minister notes that the Heroes theme matters for preserving historical memory and for strengthening spiritual and moral values in the country. It is seen as a way to foster pride in the nation’s achievements and in the people who shaped them, from the long arc of military history to pivotal moments of civilian resilience. The minister underscores memory work as a bridge between past and present [Official statement].
The head of the ministry is convinced the theme will resonate with museums across every region. Each area has its own heroes and memorable pages in the history of the Great Patriotic War and other significant events. The plan calls for revisiting these heroic chapters, remembering the courage of people in different eras, and sharing their stories with visitors. Local institutions are encouraged to collect materials and present them through testimonies, photographs, documents, and artifacts [Official statement].
Under the Heroes framework, museums can offer a variety of formats. Exhibitions can pair archival items with contemporary installations; lectures can invite historians, veterans, and other specialists; master classes can teach restoration, storytelling, and multimedia techniques; and additional formats can be added to engage a broad audience [Official statement].
In the run up to a related cultural program, museums launched private lessons and community-focused activities designed to broaden access beyond standard tours. These efforts include small groups, family activities, and digital experiences that allow participants to interact with artifacts and narratives in new ways, strengthening personal connections to national or regional histories [Official statement].
Observers note that the initiative aligns with broader cultural strategies that connect memory with education and public life. Officials expect collaboration with schools, libraries, and community centers to create a network of events that spans urban and rural areas, building civic identity and shared understanding through history [Official statement].