Shukhov Tower, Moscow, Russia
March 16, 2014
One of the leading International organizations for the protection of 20th Century Cultural Heritage – the International Council on Monuments and Sites International Scientific Committee on 20th Century Heritage (ICOMOS ISC20C) and the International Scientific Committee on the Analysis and Restoration of Structures of Architectural Heritage (ISCARSH), wishes to express its concern regarding the alarming situation now facing the future of Shukhov Radio Tower, designed by Vladimir Shukhov in 1919-1922, in Moscow, Russia. The unique structure is a globally famous masterpiece of the 20th Century, showcasing Russian engineering skills and architecture, yet it is threated with dismantling and removal.
The ICOMOS International Scientific Committee for Twentieth Century Heritage and the International Scientific Committee on the Analysis and Restoration of Structures of Architectural Heritage have written to the Hon. Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, requesting that authorities take direct steps to prevent further neglect and stagnation of this uniquely Russian resource of the Twentieth Century. We are concerned that the Ministry of Communication’s proposed dismantling and removal of the tower will lead to a fatal loss of its authenticity and integrity. We believe that thorough investigation on the basis of international experience would lead to an elaboration of a full-scale restoration project, which will bring benefit to Russia and world culture.
We note that the Shukhov Tower is an official monument of Regional significance, used by the ‘Russian TV and Radio Systems’ (RTRS) and the Russian Ministry of Communication. The idea to reerect the Radio Tower in a different place in Moscow (being in its nature an immoveable property), contradicts the purpose of its dedication as a ‘monument’ under the National heritage legislation, and it also endangers its internationally important heritage values.
We note that the Shukhov Tower has been recommended for inclusion in Russia’s tentative World Heritage in ‘Moscow Declaration on the Preservation of 20th Century Cultural Heritage’, 2006.
CONTACT FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: isc20c@icomos-isc20c.org
Sheridan Burke, Former President, ICOMOS ISC20C, SheridanB@gml.com.au
Gunny Harboe, Chair, Former ICOMOS ISC20C Heritage Alerts sub-committee, gunny@harboearch.com
Stephen Kelley, President, Former ICOMOS ISCARSAH, skelley@wje.com
The ICOMOS International Scientific Committee for Twentieth Century Heritage and the International Scientific Committee on the Analysis and Restoration of Structures of Architectural Heritage have written to the Hon. Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, requesting that authorities take direct steps to prevent further neglect and stagnation of this uniquely Russian resource of the Twentieth Century. We are concerned that the Ministry of Communication’s proposed dismantling and removal of the tower will lead to a fatal loss of its authenticity and integrity. We believe that thorough investigation on the basis of international experience would lead to an elaboration of a full-scale restoration project, which will bring benefit to Russia and world culture.
We note that the Shukhov Tower is an official monument of Regional significance, used by the ‘Russian TV and Radio Systems’ (RTRS) and the Russian Ministry of Communication. The idea to reerect the Radio Tower in a different place in Moscow (being in its nature an immoveable property), contradicts the purpose of its dedication as a ‘monument’ under the National heritage legislation, and it also endangers its internationally important heritage values.
We note that the Shukhov Tower has been recommended for inclusion in Russia’s tentative World Heritage in ‘Moscow Declaration on the Preservation of 20th Century Cultural Heritage’, 2006.
CONTACT FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: isc20c@icomos-isc20c.org
Sheridan Burke, Former President, ICOMOS ISC20C, SheridanB@gml.com.au
Gunny Harboe, Chair, Former ICOMOS ISC20C Heritage Alerts sub-committee, gunny@harboearch.com
Stephen Kelley, President, Former ICOMOS ISCARSAH, skelley@wje.com