Moscow Peace Road: Following the Footsteps of Lermontov

Moscow, Russia – UPF-Moscow organized a two-day program, “Peace Road: Following the Footsteps of Lermontov” in Moscow on July 18-19, 2026, combining cultural discovery with a family-friendly cycling tour.

On the first day, participants visited the Mikhail Lermontov House Museum, the only surviving memorial home of the famous Russian writer in Moscow. Mikhail Lermontov (1814–1841) is one of Russia’s greatest poets and novelists and a leading figure of Russian Romanticism. The museum gave visitors an opportunity to learn about his life, his family, and the years he spent in Moscow as a young man.

The following day, 12 participants, including families with children, gathered for a 15-kilometer bicycle ride from the Peace Embassy through Kuzminki Park to Lermontovsky Prospekt metro station and back. During the ride, the group met at Twelve Rays Square in Kuzminki Park, where the number of participants matched the name of the square, creating a memorable symbol of the journey. The route followed bike paths and quiet park roads, making it accessible for cyclists of all ages and experience levels.

As they cycled, participants shared stories they had learned during the museum visit, turning the ride into a continuation of the cultural experience. For those who had not attended the tour the previous day, it became an opportunity to discover more about one of Russia’s most celebrated literary figures.

This project demonstrated how history, culture, physical activity, and family participation can come together in an engaging and meaningful community event.

By Dmitry Samko, Director, UPF-Moscow July 19, 2026