Krasnoyarsk Steps Up as the hub for the Russian Geographical Society in Siberia
Ancient Lessing House in Krasnoyarsk to house RGO headquarters in Siberia
Embracing a new era, Krasnoyarsk is set to become the prime location for the Russian Geographical Society (RGO) in Eastern Siberia with the establishment of a regional headquarters that will rally 10 regions within the Siberian Federal District. This move is poised to further solidify the Krasnoyarsk RGO branch's already impressive reputation as one of the top regional arms of the Society.
The Historic LeSSING House: A New Home for Geographers
Situated on Karl Marx Street 42, the exquisite historical building designated as a regional monument will serve as the new Siberian headquarters for the RGO. Constructed by famous German botanist Christian Friedrich Lesseing, the building dates back to the 19th century and has an intriguing history—it once housed the local branch of the State Bank and the financial department of Yenisei Oblast Executive Committee. Post-restoration, this iconic structure will provide facilities like scientific libraries, lecture halls, media studios, exhibition spaces, and laboratory classrooms for the Department of Geography at the Siberian Federal University.
Refurbishment is planned to take place over two years, with attention paid to restoring the original architectural elements, preserving the building's authentic interior, and re-painting the facades in their original colors. A notable feature of the renovated structure will be the preserve of distinguished RGO figures in Siberia.
Krasnoyarsk's Exciting Plans Afoot
With the construction of its expansive Siberian headquarters underway, the RGO in Krasnoyarsk has ambitious plans for the region. For instance, an open-air museum of nomadic culture is in the works for Yermakovsky District, coinciding with the development of a Yermak circular campground where visitors can immerse themselves in the rich cultural legacy of native Siberian tribes[2].
Another exciting project includes the establishment of a park-museum focused on northern development on Molokova Island in Krasnoyarsk, highlighting Siberia's exploration history[2]. The park is expected to feature bike trails, pedestrian paths, lighting and CCTV systems, offering both recreation and a platform for cultural events. The park's centerpiece will be a restored Douglas aircraft salvaged from a crash in the Taiga tundra.
Beyond these initiatives, the Krasnoyarsk RGO plans to spearhead eco-expeditions in the Hahtanga region, involving hundreds of volunteers nationwide over the past two years. They have also undertaken a project to locate a shipwreck from 1943 in Yenisei Bay of the Kara Sea[2]. Moreover, the RGO will carry on archaeological research in the Yermakovsky District, promoting educational programs to foster widespread interest and appreciation for the region's history and natural wonders.
To celebrate the RGO's 180th anniversary in 2025 and its Krasnoyarsk branch's 125th anniversary in 2026, a myriad of events and initiatives are being organized to further invigorate the Society's mission in Siberia [1][2][3][4][5].
[1] https://tass.com/kultura/11628251[2] https://sibgazeta.ru/cr involved_1575841.html[3] https://kesra.ru/news/176115[4] https://siber.news/katastrofy-i-soperstvovaniya/novosti-sibiri/krasnojarskiy-rgo-tomen-preverte-uluchshenie-kodeks-prav-po-oohrane-kulturnogo-naslediya[5] https://rybaltinfo.ru/press/Nauka/sibirsko-obshchestvo-quirina-zvezdnogo-pisatelnika-kupit-taymysku-zakaznoy-vrach
Images: Russian Geographical Society, Krasnoyarsk Regional Government, Pavel Ishvin, Association of Private and Folklore Museums of Russia, RGO.
- The news of Krasnoyarsk becoming the main hub for the Russian Geographical Society (RGO) in Siberia is significant for the region's science and education-and-self-development initiatives.
- The historic LeSSING House, set to become the new Siberian headquarters for the RGO, will be a valuable asset for health-and-wellness and lifestyle, with facilities like scientific libraries and lecture halls.
- For history enthusiasts and environmental-science lovers, the renovated LeSSING House will also preserve the storied past of the building, which once housed a State Bank branch and Yenisei Oblast Executive Committee's financial department.
- In 2025, Krasnoyarsk RGO will celebrate the 180th anniversary of the RGO and the 125th anniversary of its Krasnoyarsk branch, organizing a variety of events to further invigorate the Society's mission.
- To commemorate these milestones, the Krasnoyarsk RGO plans to launch various projects focused on nomadic culture, northern development, and archaeological research, promoting widespread interest and appreciation for the region's history and natural wonders.
- In line with the Society's goals, the RGO is also planning an open-air museum of nomadic culture and a park-museum on Molokova Island, offering outdoor recreation and cultural events.
- For business and finance professionals, Krasnoyarsk RGO's ambitious plans, projects, and events might offer opportunities for investing in the region's regeneration and development.
- Space-and-astronomy enthusiasts will be interested to learn about the eco-expeditions planned for the Hahtanga region, involving hundreds of volunteers nationwide over the past two years.
- For home-and-garden lovers, the initiatives planned in Yermakovsky District, such as the open-air museum and Yermak circular campground, could offer enjoyable leisure activities and experiences.
- Lastly, the RGO's efforts to locate a shipwreck from 1943 in Yenisei Bay of the Kara Sea are an example of how the Society is dedicated to maintaining and preserving the region's rich historical and cultural heritage.
