In celebration of the 80th anniversary marking the end of the Battle of Stalingrad, the Stalingrad Battle Museum-Reserve in Volgograd will undertake a major restoration and enhancement project with support from the Museum-Reserve and Sberbank. The initiative aims to preserve key artifacts and update displays to provide a richer, more immersive visitor experience through advanced technologies and careful conservation work.
According to officials, the Museum-Reserve of the Battle of Stalingrad stands as a central hub for the memory of the Great Patriotic War. It is a vital cultural asset for the peoples of the country, and there is strong expectation that Sberbank’s involvement will spark broader public interest in history. The collaboration is also anticipated to introduce augmented reality tools that help visitors gain a deeper understanding of the events from that era.
Among the planned updates are the renowned panorama titled “The Defeat of the Nazi Troops Near Stalingrad” and the four accompanying diorama canvases, which will undergo comprehensive restoration. An AR-guided tour will be launched, allowing guests to explore the historical narrative through interactive, technology-enabled storytelling as they navigate the museum spaces.
The restoration program also includes cleaning and strengthening the conservation of paintings and core exhibit plans. The reflective screen on the viewing terrace will be refreshed, and careful attention will be given to restoring the historical scenes and the thematic plans that frame the visitor journey.
Officials stressed the social value of such projects, underscoring that the chance to realize them carries significant importance. The restoration of the panorama canvas and the introduction of an AR installation built around the four dioramas represent an opportunity to reframe one of history’s most pivotal battles for contemporary audiences. The project is expected to attract a broader audience, leveraging Sberbank’s technology expertise and experience to illuminate the past in new, interactive ways, according to Olga Lyubimova, the Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation.
A distinctive feature of the renovated museum will be animated exhibits powered by modern AR capabilities provided by Sberbank. Visitors will be able to point a smartphone at select displays to uncover additional layers of historical context, bringing to life the events of the Great Patriotic War in a more detailed and engaging manner. The plan for restoring and launching the AR tour within the Battle of Stalingrad Museum-Reserve is aligned with broader efforts to modernize museum storytelling and make history more accessible to a wider audience, and progress on these elements is being tracked with careful attention to accuracy and educational value.