Rosatom Launches Digital Archive Project on Soviet Nuclear Cities

An 80-day online initiative will spotlight the cultural legacy of Russia’s 'Atomgrads' — once-secret cities built around the nuclear industry.

Russia’s state nuclear corporation Rosatom has launched an online platform titled “The Culture of Atomgrads: 80 Years in 80 Days.” The project is timed to mark the 80th anniversary of the country’s nuclear industry and aims to illuminate the often-overlooked cultural life of cities that were built around nuclear facilities.

Through historical documents, local newspapers, photographs, and eyewitness accounts, the portal will offer a daily look at events that happened on that date in various nuclear cities — starting now and running through August 20, 2025.

These 'Atomgrads' were once closed to outsiders and absent from maps. Now, for the first time, Rosatom is making their cultural heritage visible to the public.