Accessibility links

Subscribe
All RFE/RL sites
All RFE/RL websites Follow RFE/RL on Google
site logo site logo
Previous Next
Breaking News
Russia

Yeltsin Presidential Center Opens In Russia

Visitors are greeted by Russian President Boris Yeltsin and his wife, Naina, on a big screen.
1/14 Visitors are greeted by Russian President Boris Yeltsin and his wife, Naina, on a big screen.
To mark what would have been Boris Yeltsin's 85th birthday on February 1, we are re-upping these pictures from the opening of the Yeltsin Center in Yekaterinburg late last year. A first of its kind in Russia, it showcases the legacy of the former president with a library, museum, and exhibition space. There are more than 30,000 exhibits and 13,000 photos. The center has been financed with $76 million of public money plus around 50 private sponsors, including President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev. (RFE/RL's Russian Service)
The view changes to show Yeltsin with his U.S. counterpart, George H.W. Bush. ...
2/14 The view changes to show Yeltsin with his U.S. counterpart, George H.W. Bush. ...
To mark what would have been Boris Yeltsin's 85th birthday on February 1, we are re-upping these pictures from the opening of the Yeltsin Center in Yekaterinburg late last year. A first of its kind in Russia, it showcases the legacy of the former president with a library, museum, and exhibition space. There are more than 30,000 exhibits and 13,000 photos. The center has been financed with $76 million of public money plus around 50 private sponsors, including President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev. (RFE/RL's Russian Service)
...and then Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov -- initially an ally, later a political rival.
3/14 ...and then Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov -- initially an ally, later a political rival.
To mark what would have been Boris Yeltsin's 85th birthday on February 1, we are re-upping these pictures from the opening of the Yeltsin Center in Yekaterinburg late last year. A first of its kind in Russia, it showcases the legacy of the former president with a library, museum, and exhibition space. There are more than 30,000 exhibits and 13,000 photos. The center has been financed with $76 million of public money plus around 50 private sponsors, including President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev. (RFE/RL's Russian Service)
A model of a Moscow trolley bus. Yetsin used them to get around town when he was secretary of the Moscow City Committee of the Communist Party.
4/14 A model of a Moscow trolley bus. Yetsin used them to get around town when he was secretary of the Moscow City Committee of the Communist Party.
To mark what would have been Boris Yeltsin's 85th birthday on February 1, we are re-upping these pictures from the opening of the Yeltsin Center in Yekaterinburg late last year. A first of its kind in Russia, it showcases the legacy of the former president with a library, museum, and exhibition space. There are more than 30,000 exhibits and 13,000 photos. The center has been financed with $76 million of public money plus around 50 private sponsors, including President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev. (RFE/RL's Russian Service)
Later in his career he could enjoy the Presidential ZiL limousine.
5/14 Later in his career he could enjoy the Presidential ZiL limousine.
To mark what would have been Boris Yeltsin's 85th birthday on February 1, we are re-upping these pictures from the opening of the Yeltsin Center in Yekaterinburg late last year. A first of its kind in Russia, it showcases the legacy of the former president with a library, museum, and exhibition space. There are more than 30,000 exhibits and 13,000 photos. The center has been financed with $76 million of public money plus around 50 private sponsors, including President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev. (RFE/RL's Russian Service)
But there's less luxury on show at a mock-up of an early '90s Russian store.
6/14 But there's less luxury on show at a mock-up of an early '90s Russian store.
To mark what would have been Boris Yeltsin's 85th birthday on February 1, we are re-upping these pictures from the opening of the Yeltsin Center in Yekaterinburg late last year. A first of its kind in Russia, it showcases the legacy of the former president with a library, museum, and exhibition space. There are more than 30,000 exhibits and 13,000 photos. The center has been financed with $76 million of public money plus around 50 private sponsors, including President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev. (RFE/RL's Russian Service)
Televisions, VHS players, and clunky hi-fi systems provide more of the flavor of everyday life in the Yeltsin years.
7/14 Televisions, VHS players, and clunky hi-fi systems provide more of the flavor of everyday life in the Yeltsin years.
To mark what would have been Boris Yeltsin's 85th birthday on February 1, we are re-upping these pictures from the opening of the Yeltsin Center in Yekaterinburg late last year. A first of its kind in Russia, it showcases the legacy of the former president with a library, museum, and exhibition space. There are more than 30,000 exhibits and 13,000 photos. The center has been financed with $76 million of public money plus around 50 private sponsors, including President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev. (RFE/RL's Russian Service)
Visitors pose for snaps by a bronze statue of Yeltsin.
8/14 Visitors pose for snaps by a bronze statue of Yeltsin.
To mark what would have been Boris Yeltsin's 85th birthday on February 1, we are re-upping these pictures from the opening of the Yeltsin Center in Yekaterinburg late last year. A first of its kind in Russia, it showcases the legacy of the former president with a library, museum, and exhibition space. There are more than 30,000 exhibits and 13,000 photos. The center has been financed with $76 million of public money plus around 50 private sponsors, including President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev. (RFE/RL's Russian Service)
There's also a satirical take on the late Russian leader.
9/14 There's also a satirical take on the late Russian leader.
To mark what would have been Boris Yeltsin's 85th birthday on February 1, we are re-upping these pictures from the opening of the Yeltsin Center in Yekaterinburg late last year. A first of its kind in Russia, it showcases the legacy of the former president with a library, museum, and exhibition space. There are more than 30,000 exhibits and 13,000 photos. The center has been financed with $76 million of public money plus around 50 private sponsors, including President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev. (RFE/RL's Russian Service)
Yeltsin's office...
10/14 Yeltsin's office...
To mark what would have been Boris Yeltsin's 85th birthday on February 1, we are re-upping these pictures from the opening of the Yeltsin Center in Yekaterinburg late last year. A first of its kind in Russia, it showcases the legacy of the former president with a library, museum, and exhibition space. There are more than 30,000 exhibits and 13,000 photos. The center has been financed with $76 million of public money plus around 50 private sponsors, including President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev. (RFE/RL's Russian Service)
...and his "nuclear suitcase."
11/14 ...and his "nuclear suitcase."
To mark what would have been Boris Yeltsin's 85th birthday on February 1, we are re-upping these pictures from the opening of the Yeltsin Center in Yekaterinburg late last year. A first of its kind in Russia, it showcases the legacy of the former president with a library, museum, and exhibition space. There are more than 30,000 exhibits and 13,000 photos. The center has been financed with $76 million of public money plus around 50 private sponsors, including President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev. (RFE/RL's Russian Service)
The Barricades exhibition hall recalls the 1991 Moscow putsch. Yeltsin led the defense of the White House, the Russian parliament building, pictured in the background.
12/14 The Barricades exhibition hall recalls the 1991 Moscow putsch. Yeltsin led the defense of the White House, the Russian parliament building, pictured in the background.
To mark what would have been Boris Yeltsin's 85th birthday on February 1, we are re-upping these pictures from the opening of the Yeltsin Center in Yekaterinburg late last year. A first of its kind in Russia, it showcases the legacy of the former president with a library, museum, and exhibition space. There are more than 30,000 exhibits and 13,000 photos. The center has been financed with $76 million of public money plus around 50 private sponsors, including President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev. (RFE/RL's Russian Service)
The names of the Yeltsin Center sponsors, including President Vladimir Putin and oligarch Roman Abramovich.
13/14 The names of the Yeltsin Center sponsors, including President Vladimir Putin and oligarch Roman Abramovich.
To mark what would have been Boris Yeltsin's 85th birthday on February 1, we are re-upping these pictures from the opening of the Yeltsin Center in Yekaterinburg late last year. A first of its kind in Russia, it showcases the legacy of the former president with a library, museum, and exhibition space. There are more than 30,000 exhibits and 13,000 photos. The center has been financed with $76 million of public money plus around 50 private sponsors, including President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev. (RFE/RL's Russian Service)
General view of the Yeltsin Center complex
14/14 General view of the Yeltsin Center complex
To mark what would have been Boris Yeltsin's 85th birthday on February 1, we are re-upping these pictures from the opening of the Yeltsin Center in Yekaterinburg late last year. A first of its kind in Russia, it showcases the legacy of the former president with a library, museum, and exhibition space. There are more than 30,000 exhibits and 13,000 photos. The center has been financed with $76 million of public money plus around 50 private sponsors, including President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev. (RFE/RL's Russian Service)
Previous slide
Next slide

A new center dedicated to the Russian Federation's first president, Boris Yeltsin, has been unveiled.

The Boris Yeltsin Presidential Center was opened in the city of Yekaterinburg in Russia's Urals region on November 25.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev attended a ceremony to mark the opening of the center.

Former and current world leaders were invited to the ceremony, but it was unclear how many attended.

More than 30,000 exhibits and 13,000 photos were on display at the center.

Around 50 politicians, private and state companies, and businessmen funded the construction of the building.

Yeltsin, who was Russia's first president from 1991 to 1999, died on April 23, 2007 at the age of 76.

Based on reporting by TASS and Interfax
This item is part of
​
XS
SM
MD
LG