Rinat Akhmetov’s Foundation for Development of Ukraine (FDU) has launched the second stage to restore Pirogovo National Architecture and Rural Life Museum. The Foundation intends to complete the repair of pedestrian roads and water supply system in 2009-2010 and focus on the restoration of unique sites, including wind-mills in the villages of Gorodshche, Liventsy, Lyutenskiye Budishcha and Blagoveshchenka. In 2008, the Foundation allocated funds to restore five windmills from the villages of Ol'shara, Nurovoye, Sasinovka, Kononovka and Borovitsa.

Also, in 2008 the Foundation helped restore around 2,000 sq. m. of roofs of ethnographic exhibits: huts, barns and a school. The FDU repaired the lighting system of the exhibition and pedestrian roads. To ensure safety of the exhibits, the Museum received fire engines it had never had.

The Museum got a grant of UAH 15m for 2008-2010. The total cost of works in 2008 amounted to over UAH 4m.

Anatoliy Zabolotny, Director of Rinat Akhmetov’s Foundation, says: "The goal of our cooperation with the National Architecture and Rural Life Museum is to restore the infrastructure and exhibits of this unique site. We strive to make it more comfortable for visitors and more modern. Therefore, we accepted the offer of the Museum and the Presidium of the National Academy of Science to restore the infrastructure elements of the Museum – roads, water supply and lighting. It is invisible at first sight, but the Museums can't properly operate without it. And, of course, the sites were in the focus. We will keep restoring the wind-mills and other exhibits. Much depends on the opinion of the Museum experts here. Thee should indicate what exhibits must be rescued first of all.

Profile:
Foundation for Development of Ukraine is a non-profit organization established on 15 July 2005.
Foundation’s mission - The Foundation for Development of Ukraine establishes the basis for successful and steady development of Ukrainian society, investing into education of future generations, health of the nation, preservation and development of Ukrainian culture.
Areas of the Foundation activity include: contemporary education, health of the nation, cultural and targeted assistance
President of Foundation for Development of Ukraine is Rinat L. Akhmetov.

04.03.09