Sergei Sobyanin: More attractions created for Moscow residents at Kolomenskoye
Another important stage of improvement works has been completed at the Kolomenskoye Museum-Reserve. Sergei Sobyanin shares more details on his blog.
“In 2025, as part of the first stage, we created a modern recreation area along the Tsarskaya Embankment and reconstructed the pier. It is now one of the best attractions for Moscow residents, with entertainment for all ages, more than eight million people visiting it in just one year. At the same time, we completed the restoration of several cultural heritage sites, including one of Russia’s main symbols, the Church of the Ascension in Kolomenskoye, as well as the Sytny Yard and the House of Peter the Great, both cultural heritage sites of federal significance,” the Moscow Mayor said.
To distribute the recreational load more evenly and make visits to the museum-reserve as comfortable as possible, comprehensive improvement works continued this year.
During the second stage, specialists carried out an extensive underground work, upgrading and reinforcing utility systems and infrastructure, much of which had long reached the end of its service life. They then improved the grounds of the Stable Yard and the Peasant’s and Blacksmith’s Estates. Perimeter fences were replaced, streetlights were installed and paths were repaved, using tiles and granite screenings in some areas and cobblestones in others.
In addition, the venue for large-scale cultural events was renovated and the Falconry Yard, a museum complex dedicated to the traditions of falconry in Russia, was modernized. The reconstruction improved conditions for the birds. Specialists renovated the falconer’s house and made the museum exhibition interactive. The ensemble now includes a new snow-white canopy and a visitor center with a façade made of decorative panels that blend harmoniously into the surroundings.
Restoration of the Sytniy Dvor in Kolomenskoe completed — Mayor of Moscow
A new walking area has opened next to the Falconry Yard — an alley with swings where visitors can relax together or on their own. In the evening, the swings are illuminated by soft decorative lighting.
Four observation decks have been set nearby, two of which have convenient access to the water.
Special attention was paid to Kolomenskoye’s famous apple orchards. Three of its six historic orchards have survived to the present day: Voznesensky, Dyakovsky and Kazansky. The Kazansky Orchard is now decorated with original art installations: Apples in the Garden and the Falcon with Branches sculpture. A new recreation area with an unusual mirrored art installation has also been set on its outskirts.
Two small ponds near the Voznesensky Orchard were improved — one near the Beekeeper’s Estate and one of the ponds near the House of Peter the Great, known as the Saucer. The paths around them were covered with granite screenings and pergolas with swings were installed. An art installation featuring two intertwined hearts was installed on the bank of the pond near the Beekeeper’s Estate, while the Alley of Love was renovated and is now decorated with atmospheric arches.
Work was also carried out on Voznesenskaya Square: the tiled paving was repaired, a new railing was installed at the observation deck and historic-style streetlights and benches were added.
Modern lighting, CCTV cameras and a public address system were installed in the Sovereign’s Courtyard.
A themed playground called Bunny Meadow was created for young visitors featuring custom-made equipment. The space was divided into five play areas for children aged 1 to 14. It includes the Carrot canopy, Rabbit Burrows tunnels, musical modules, and much more.
New checkpoints have been installed at the entrances to the museum-reserve: lightweight pavilions with flowing shapes and panoramic glazing, finished in neutral white. The façades are decorated with perforated panels depicting silhouettes of the museum-reserve’s key monuments, which are illuminated in the evening.
Depending on their size, the checkpoints will house visitor centers with ticket offices, mother-and-child rooms and restrooms in addition to security posts. For visitor safety, a new reliable CCTV system has been installed at the entrances and throughout the grounds.
Paths and walkways have been renovated throughout the museum-reserve, reliable drainage systems have been installed and the lighting has been modernized. More comfortable recreation areas have been created and new permanent restrooms have been installed for visitors.
“We are already in the third stage of work. We plan to relay the paving near the Palace of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich and renovate the surfaces at the Dyakovo ancient settlement soon. Later, we plan to renovate the gorodki court and nearby workout areas and modernize the service yard,” Sergei Sobyanin says.
Plans also include renovating the children’s playground on 1 st Dyakovo Gorodishche Street. A large themed play area is to be created there.