A unique mosaic panel depicting the heroes of the Kalevala is being restored in the small Karelian town of Pitkyaranta, after residents voiced concerns about its potential dismantling during a planned renovation of the local House of Culture. The mosaic, a rare and large-scale example of architectural decoration in Karelia, is considered a vital part of the town’s cultural heritage.

The decision to restore the panel came after residents expressed worry over initial plans to dismantle it during a facade renovation. The mosaic, installed in 1975, is a significant landmark in Pitkyaranta, a town that has seen its population decline over the years but still considers the House of Culture its central hub.

Two women, photographer Natalia Kuzmina and architect Natalia Anishchenko, spearheaded the effort to save the mosaic. They delved into archives to uncover the history of the panel, eventually identifying the artist, Alexander Dubovik, and finding the original sketch. The mosaic is considered exceptional, spanning almost 100 square meters and uniquely depicting Karelian cultural symbols without Soviet-era political undertones.

The mosaic portrays key figures from the Kalevala, a Karelian-Finnish epic compiled from folk legends. Väinämöinen, the central hero, is depicted with his kantele, a traditional instrument, alongside other characters like Ilmarinen, Lemminkäinen, and figures from the tale of Louhi and her daughter Aino. The restoration project aims to preserve these images, which are deeply ingrained in Karelian identity.

Due to the deterioration of the underlying plaster, the restoration will require dismantling the panel and reassembling it with new smalt. The project is estimated to cost 10-13 million rubles. An initiative group has been formed to raise funds and oversee the restoration, with residents ready to contribute.

The restoration will occur in three stages: creating a full-size tracing, drawing detailed cartoons based on archival sketches, and assembling the new mosaic panel. Before dismantling, a banner will be displayed indicating that restoration is in progress.

As part of the restoration effort, restorer Vladimir Ignatiev is recreating a small fish, a detail that has been lost over time. This recreation will be showcased at an upcoming exhibition dedicated to Karelian mosaics, allowing residents to see the original appearance of this element of their cultural heritage.