It is pleasant to realize that in the Russian Federation there are organizations that actively discuss social problems and engage in free enlightenment among the population. An example of this is the Sakharov Center in Moscow, which for almost twenty years has been openly talking about human rights and freedoms in the modern world.
A few words about Andrei Sakharov
The world knows him as the father of the hydrogen bomb and the Nobel laureate. He studied thermonuclear reactions and fought to ensure that atomic bombs were not tested either on earth or in space. A. Sakharov repeatedly wrote about the dangers of nuclear war and its possible consequences.
And he never was silent if human rights were violated. For example, in 1980, without trial, he was exiled to Gorky. The reason for this was harsh remarks on the subject of the entry of Soviet troops into Afghanistan.
Andrei Sakharov worked in secret laboratories and was excommunicated, with the subsequent cancellation of all ranks and awards issued for scientific achievements. The KGB repeatedly tried to destroy his archives, but, fortunately, he did not succeed.
Today, more than 100,000 units of documents are stored by the Sakharov Center. These papers were provided to the museum by Andrei's wife, E. Bonner. Everyone can freely come and read them.
“Peace, progress, human rights”
To understand what the Sakharov Center in Moscow does, you need to look at its first name. It was under this motto that Andrei Sakharov lived. When he died in 1989, his wife Elena Bonner continued his work. Together with foreign investors, she organized a non-governmental fund, which undertook to store and publish the materials of the scientist. In 1996, the museum and public center "Peace, Progress and Human Rights" named after A. Sakharov was opened. Later it was renamed the Sakharov Center. But the focus of activity has not changed. Its employees continue to conduct social activities.
In the center there are so many diverse types of events that it is completely incomprehensible how only 2.5 staff units cope with all this. Despite this, already 15,000 units from the archive have been processed and systematized. The museum is open six days a week. The center hosts exhibitions and discussions.
Museum exposition
As already mentioned, the Sakharov Center, the address of which every progressive person in the capital knows, is founded and exists at the expense of investors and public organizations from the United States. It was with their support that it was possible to create a permanent museum exposition that illuminates the entire conscious life of A. Sakharov.
It is created and arranged by Eugene Ass. The main concept is the movement through a change of governments. Its direction is from darkness to light, from slavery to freedom.
Externally, the hall with high walls is divided into 4 corridors. Each of them is a separate era that A. Sakharov experienced. They fully reflect the history of the USSR from almost its beginning to the moment of collapse.
In addition, the Sakharov Center in Moscow constantly organizes temporary art and public exhibitions. This is a free exhibition platform that allows everyone to declare themselves and their views on public life.
Regular discussions and workshops
It is also known that the Sakharov Center in Moscow, whose address coincides with the scientist’s old apartment, constantly holds discussions, seminars and public hearings. Their subjects are the most diverse, but the focus is the same - improving the climate in society, declaring the right to legal activity. The protection of nature and the purity of the information field is also actively discussed . The issues of language and its right to development are discussed.
Of course, some topics of discussion do not like the government. Inspections were sent to the Sakharov Center in Moscow for discussing the results of the Moscow Mayor’s election and a boycott of the Olympics in Sochi, which saw signs of political activity, and therefore a violation of the law.
By decision of the court, the center must pay a huge fine for not voluntarily contributing to the NPO as a foreign counterparty. The issue in this case has not been resolved, since an appeal has been filed from the center to a higher court.
Theater and movie screenings
The center has been operating a theater studio for several years. Here are created and shown performances that meet the theme of the institution. Readings of plays and other works are also held. At the end of such events, discussions and discussions are held that deepen awareness of the problem and its solutions.
You can also visit the open film screening, which is constantly held by the Sakharov Center in Moscow. Photos of such events can be seen in the center. They are represented by members of the film circle and its guests, who discuss films together with their creators or people who have something to do with the film.
Of course, here you will not see the famous box office blockbusters. But a visit to one such session will give much more for the development of personality than eminent and advertised tapes.
Anyone who has the right to suggest a topic for reading, a play or a movie to watch. The main thing is that the theme meets the concept of the center. Admission to such events is completely free. Everyone can watch the movie and speak out about it.
How to get there
In the Sakharov Center, whose address is: Zemlyanoy Val street, 57, building 6, you can take the metro to the Chkalovskaya or Kurskaya station (ring). You need to go to the side opposite the Kursk station. You need to go to the very Poluyaroslavskaya embankment. A little away from the intersection of these streets, in the park, you will find a small white building, which is called the Sakharov Center.
Its working hours are 6 days a week, except Monday. Visiting hours are from 11.00 to 19.00. Admission is completely free.
If you are interested in issues of public life and you have a desire to discuss them with like-minded people, be sure to check out this center. At least get acquainted with an interesting exposition about the life of a famous scientist.