On Defender of the Fatherland Day, February 23, 2026, from 10:00 to 18:00, the Russian Railway Museum invites visitors to a special program. Admission will be free for all military personnel and cadets on this day.
What should a true defender be like? Visitors can seek answers at stations with themed activities. By completing the tasks, participants will fill out a route sheet and collect a set of exclusive stickers featuring exhibits.
Near the medical and dressing carriage, reenactors will explain how wounded people were evacuated and invite visitors to practice techniques for transporting casualties. At the “Railway Crossing” installation, visitors can test their strength by measuring it and completing timed exercises. At the “Classification Hump,” the Primorsky District library network of St. Petersburg will invite visitors to decode messages and play the games “Heroes Are Made!”, “Space Strategist,” and “Battleship.” An interactive module with riddles about a locomotive driver’s work will be located by the turntable.
From 15:00 to 16:00, music from the war years will be performed beside the cutaway steam locomotive by the Big Band St. Petersburg jazz orchestra. Children can take part in workshops in the exhibition. Adults can write a letter to the front and support Special Military Operation service members. The 1940 suburban carriage will be open, with video features about railways during the Great Patriotic War. Visitors can also take a commemorative photograph in the selfie mirror.
All activities are free on this day. Museum admission is by museum ticket. Military personnel and cadets can obtain free tickets at the museum ticket offices upon presentation of the relevant document.
“A defender should be brave, loyal, and well-read—we could continue this list of important qualities for a long time. We value the contribution of everyone who protects their family, loved ones, and homeland. We will be pleased to welcome guests to the celebration at our museum,” said Vladimir Odintsov, Director of the Russian Railway Museum.
