Have you noticed how old mansions in city centers are falling into disrepair? Or how yet another historic building stands boarded up for years, as if no one cares about its fate? Yet these aren't just buildings — they are part of our history, our roots, the very things that shape the character and appearance of our cities.
Here's some good news: the situation is expected to change as early as 2026. The government is launching a large-scale reform of cultural heritage sites — and it will affect not only officials and restorers, but you, me, and every resident of the country. Let's look at what changes are coming, how they will help save these landmarks, and why this matters to all of us.
Why has the topic of cultural heritage sites become so relevant?
The problem is that many architectural and historical landmarks are formally under state protection, but in reality are deteriorating or standing unused. The previous maintenance procedure was too cumbersome — even for routine repairs. As a result, owners often postponed necessary work, and the condition of these sites only got worse.
The government is trying to solve two problems at once:
- not weaken the protection of landmarks;
- remove unnecessary bureaucracy where a landmark can be safely maintained and quickly restored.
What's planned: goals for 2026
Following the president's instructions, the objective has been clearly defined:
- preserve cultural heritage sites;
- reduce their neglect and disrepair;
- speed up restoration;
- bring some sites back into economic use through leasing, restoration, and investment projects.
Special attention will be paid to sites in poor condition. Regional restoration plans will be drawn up for them. The Ministry of Culture, the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, and DOM.RF will sign special agreements to coordinate their efforts.
What changes are coming
Several important initiatives will launch in 2026 at once:
- Simplification of routine landmark maintenance. Starting March 1, 2026, amendments take effect that separate the concepts of "maintenance" and "preservation" for cultural heritage sites. If supporting work does not affect the protected features of a site, a simpler, notification-based procedure will apply. This will allow minor repairs and upkeep to be carried out more quickly.
- A unified digital record-keeping system. By June 1, 2026, a unified register of cultural heritage sites will be launched — a digital database consolidating information on landmarks in one place. This will make oversight more transparent and speed up decision-making.
- A program to engage derelict and unused sites. The government is launching a program aimed at finding investors and giving abandoned landmarks a new lease on life.
- Inventory of sites in poor condition. By June 1, 2026, an inventory of cultural heritage sites in unsatisfactory condition will be conducted. Restoration plans will be drawn up based on the results.
- Extension of the transition period for new constituent entities of the Russian Federation. For new regions, the transition period for the protection of cultural heritage sites has been extended to 2028. This is necessary to preserve the protected status of landmarks until the legal reassessment and classification process is complete.
Regulatory framework: what's changing in the law
The main changes affect Federal Law No. 73-FZ on Cultural Heritage Sites. It is being supplemented with provisions:
- on a simplified procedure for maintenance work;
- on new mechanisms for handling sites in poor condition.
In addition, the president's directives are being implemented through:
- a list of instructions following the ASI (Agency for Strategic Initiatives) meeting, with clear deadlines for agreements and regional plans;
- government rules for classifying sites in unsatisfactory condition under a special category in the register.
The changes will affect several groups at once:
- Owners and users of cultural heritage sites will get clearer rules for routine maintenance. At the same time, the government will more strictly monitor sites that are deteriorating.
- Regions are required to develop restoration plans, coordinate them with federal authorities, and look for models to bring landmarks back into use.
- Investors will get more opportunities to work with landmarks, thanks to clear procedures and government programs.
- Ordinary citizens will benefit from historic buildings being restored and put to use. This will preserve the character of our cities and create new points of attraction — museums, cafes, and hotels housed in old mansions.
Changes in the field of cultural heritage sites directly affect:
- The quality of the urban environment. Restored buildings make cities more beautiful and comfortable.
- The economy. Bringing cultural heritage sites into economic use creates jobs and develops tourism and small business.
- Transparency. A digital register and clear rules will reduce the risks of corruption and inefficient use of funds.
- Historical memory. By preserving landmarks, we pass on a connection with the past to future generations.
Conclusion: in 2026, the government is betting on balance — preserving cultural heritage while giving it a new lease on life. Streamlined procedures, digitalization, and investor engagement should help save hundreds of landmarks that are currently in a state of neglect. And this concerns not only historians and restorers — the appearance of our cities and our shared future depend on the success of this program.
