Laura A. Victoir Boeken

Russia’s country estates served as vital centers of culture, learning, and administration under the imperial state, yet only a fraction remain today, with many facing uncertain futures. This situation highlights the struggle for cultural representation in post-Soviet Russia. Historic landmarks often become focal points during periods of significant change, reflecting adjustments in a nation's historical narrative. The treatment of these monuments offers insights into the language, symbols, and collective memory of a society in transition. This work explores the connections between politics and culture, focusing not on the artistic merits of the estates—already well-documented—but on the attitudes and circumstances influencing their survival as part of Russia’s pre-revolutionary history. Factors affecting preservation include privatization, restitution, taxation, legislation, and the roles of governmental and non-governmental organizations, as well as tourism. The analysis reveals how various institutions and actors compete for limited cultural resources, often jeopardizing the physical artifacts themselves. While the focus is on Russia’s estates, the examination serves as a lens to understand broader destructive processes impacting cultural heritage.