Historic Lessing House in Krasnoyarsk to serve as headquarters for the Siberian branch of the Russian Orthodox Church
Unveiling the new hub: Russian Geographical Society's sprawling plans for Krasnoyarsk
Exciting times are ahead for Krasnoyarsk, as it prepares to become the epicenter of activities for the Russian Geographical Society (RGO) in Siberia. Relocating its regional office, the new branch will combine ten regions under the Siberian Federal District.
Governor of Krasnoyarsky Krai, Michail Kotyukov, stated, "Our RGO division has been repeatedly recognized as one of the best in the country, and this project will further bolster its standing." Krasnoyarsk's RGO division has always been a frontrunner among regional representatives, finishing first in the nationwide ranking for 2023.
Science takes root in a historical dwelling
The RGO's Siberian headquarters will be housed in a historic building on Karl Marx Street, number 42. This architectural gem is a cultural heritage site, built by renowned German botanist Christian Friedrich Lessing, known for his expeditions across Siberia.
After a devastating fire in 1883, the building was restored and served as a branch of the State Bank, followed by the financial department of the Yenisei Regional Executive Committee. From 1957, it accommodated the Institute of Physics, the first academic and scientific institution in Kransoyarsk and the region, under the leadership of Leonid Kirensky.
During the restoration process, the building will regain its original appearance, preserving authentic interior elements and grand metal staircases. The facade will also be repainted in its original hue. Once the work is completed, the building will house a scientific library, lecture halls, a media studio, exhibit spaces, and a laboratory classroom for the geography department of Siberian Federal University.
In the inner courtyard, old structures will be demolished, making way for a park dedicated to Remarkable Figures of the RGO in Siberia.
Restoration works are scheduled to be completed within two years, concluding in mid-2027.
RGO's ambitious endeavors in Krasnoyarsk
The RGO in Krasnoyarsk is set to embark on ambitious projects, such as establishing an open-air museum of nomadic culture on the premises of the year-round camp "Ermak" in the Ermakovsky District.
Soon, construction will commence on a Park of Arctic Exploration on Moločkov Island. The idea has been on the table for several years, with the Krasnoyarsk Tourism Agency set to commence landscaping this year. The park will feature bike trails, pedestrian paths, lighting, security cameras, and will serve as a venue for cultural events as well as a recreational spot.
The centerpiece of the park will be the Douglas aircraft that crashed in the Taymyr tundra and was later unearthed and relocated to Novosibirsk for restoration.
Other plans include using the Krasnoyarsk base as a launchpad for RGO expeditions, such as ecological expeditions to Hatanga, which saw over 300 volunteers from across the country take part over the past two years. The society will also continue archaeological research and educational outreach initiatives focused on the region's history and ecology.
In addition, RGO will mark the 180th anniversary of its founding in 2025 and celebrate its kraskoyarsk division's 125th anniversary in 2026.
Stay tuned for updates by following RGO's official channels[2][3] and monitoring federal urban development programs[1][5].
[1] Siberian Federal District administrative project uniting 10 regions[2] RGO official website[3] RGO regional representations[4] RGO's current focus and projects[5] Federal Arctic infrastructure development plans
- The scientific library, lecture halls, media studio, exhibit spaces, and laboratory classroom within the RGO's Siberian headquarters will cater to a wide range of subjects, including news, climate change, environmental science, science, health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, lifestyle, education-and-self-development, and and business.
- The restoration of the historic building housing the RGO's Siberian headquarters will be significant for historical preservation, as it once served notable institutions such as the State Bank and the Institute of Physics.
- The Park of Arctic Exploration, a new venture in Krasnoyarsk, will be an attractive destination for travel and space-and-astronomy enthusiasts, offering bike trails, pedestrian paths, cultural events, and the display of the Douglas aircraft.
- RGO's ecological expeditions to Hatanga, now in their third year, attract volunteers from various regions, showcasing the importance of sports and teamwork in environmental-science projects.
- The 180th anniversary of the Russian Geographical Society in 2025 and the 125th anniversary of the Krasnoyarsk division in 2026 will be celebrated with much fanfare, marking milestones in the organization's rich history.
- The establishment of an open-air museum of nomadic culture and the ongoing archaeological research in Krasnoyarsk under the RGO will contribute significantly to the region's understanding of its past and cultural heritage.
- Investors and home-and-garden enthusiasts will find valuable information on federal urban development programs, as the RGO's projects in Krasnoyarsk contribute to the city's overall growth and improvement.
- The inner courtyard park, dedicated to Remarkable Figures of the RGO in Siberia, will serve as a peaceful oasis for reflection and learning, offering a tranquil setting for relaxation and contemplation.
- Weather enthusiasts can monitor the progress of the restoration works and the development of new RGO projects in Krasnoyarsk by following the organization's official channels and staying updated on federal urban development programs.
- The RGO's new initiatives in Krasnoyarsk, such as the open-air museum, Park of Arctic Exploration, ecological expeditions, and historical research, will not only enrich the region's cultural landscape but also provide opportunities for learning and growth in various fields.
