AI “Brings to Life” Bronze Hares and Tames Bears Across Russia
Neural networks are helping Russians reconnect with history — and even make monuments move.
Artificial intelligence is becoming a creative bridge between the past and present in Russia. Neural networks are being used to animate historical photos and “revive” cultural landmarks, turning still images into living stories that make history more tangible and emotionally engaging.
In the Orenburg region, neural networks “brought to life” archival footage for Road Workers’ Day. Historic photos showing the evolution of the region’s road network — from just 1,800 kilometers in 1934 to today’s 25,000 — were transformed into dynamic video scenes illustrating decades of progress and dedication.
Dancing Statues and a Digital Bear
In Kostroma, local resident Ivan Udalov used AI to animate the city’s famous Mazay Hares sculptures, encouraging residents to see their urban landmarks in a new light. His previous works had already made the local Lamp Lighter spark a festive firework and the Merchant’s Wife sip tea from her cup.
This time, Udalov’s collaboration with AI went further: the Official and Firefighter broke into a dance, the Lady and her Daughter strolled along chatting, and the Postman finally pulled an important letter from his briefcase. The Navigator, usually the most stoic of them all, jumped off his pedestal and ran away — to the delight of viewers.
At the end of the video, Udalov appeared on screen beside a friendly brown bear that patted him on the shoulder — another AI creation.
Meanwhile, in Karelia, Head of the Republic Artur Parfentchikov used neural networks to “revive” an old family photo for Father’s Day. The brief animated clip let him once again see his parents, capturing how digital technology can preserve memory and strengthen family ties in profoundly human ways.
