According to the Moscow City Government, the summer festival Mansions of Moscow opens in the capital for the first time on July 1. Natalia Sergunina, the Deputy Mayor, confirms that the festival will run on weekends through September 30. The event gathers a wealth of city heritage sites, including the Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve, the Petrovsky Travel Palace, Ostafyevo, Sviblovo, Vorontsovo estates, and several others. Each location will showcase its own program featuring literature readings, lectures, captivating performances, and hands-on masterclasses, reflecting the unique character of its historical surroundings.
The festival unfolds across 15 historical venues. The opening weekend highlights will take place at the Kuskovo and Izmailovo estates. Over three months, more than 270 events are planned for residents and visitors alike. Attendees can expect excursions, author meetings, concerts, creative workshops, and theatrical performances conducted in the atmospheric settings of Moscow’s historic estates.
The aim is to acquaint the city’s residents and guests with the estate landscapes that dot Moscow. On Saturday, July 1, there will be a discussion about the formation of the Kuskovo ensemble, an immersive behind-the-scenes performance of the estate theater, and a themed picnic tracing the traditions of picnics from Tsarist Russia to the modern era. On Sunday, July 2, the Izmailovo Estate will host a lecture on its history, a jewelry-making masterclass, and an interactive performance by emerging performers representing 18th century Moscow.
A conference focused on classical architecture is scheduled for July 9 at the Vlakhernskoye-Kuzminki estate, followed by a tour-based sound performance titled Memories of Merchandise. Visitors will also learn about the dishes served in the homes of noted Russian writers. The day will conclude with a petanque tournament in a festive, educational atmosphere.
July 15 brings a guided sightseeing tour for all ages at the Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve, along with an open lesson exploring how the ancient rules of business communication shaped letter writing in the 19th century, and immersive performances titled Bazhenov’s Russian Gothic will enchant attendees.
On July 16, the Kolomenskoye Museum-Reserve offers a stroll through historic orchards featuring varieties such as Antonovka apples, pears, and papirovka. Open-air literary readings will accompany the event, with selections from Alexander Pushkin’s Belkin Tales read aloud in the outdoor spaces.
This festival follows a recent two-year review and revitalization of the Central Youth Library No. 122 named after AS Green, marking another milestone in Moscow’s cultural calendar. The Mansions of Moscow festival emphasizes a living connection between literature, architecture, and public life, inviting both locals and travelers to experience the city’s architectural heritage from a fresh, immersive perspective. The weekend format makes it easy for families and cultural enthusiasts to fit multiple estate visits into a single trip, turning historic grounds into vibrant stages for discovery. During the summer months, visitors can expect a blend of guided tours, demonstrations of traditional crafts, and performances that reimagine the way audiences engage with Moscow’s storied past. The program design encourages spontaneous exploration as well as planned itineraries, ensuring that each estate offers a distinct narrative arc, whether it be a deep dive into earlier architectural styles, a celebration of literary history, or a creative performance that brings centuries-old spaces to life. The festival’s timing aligns with favorable summer conditions, inviting both day trips and weekend getaways from the broader region. For travelers, Mansions of Moscow presents an opportunity to combine cultural enrichment with scenic outings through parks, historic preserves, and the neighborhoods that house these iconic estates. In sum, it is a city-wide invitation to rediscover Moscow through its estates, where the past and present converge in an array of experiences that educate, entertain, and inspire visitors.
Note: The information above reflects official announcements from Moscow cultural authorities and estate administrations. Attendees are encouraged to verify event schedules locally during their planning as programs may evolve with weather, performer availability, and venue operations.