The project “Hidden Grandeur” was created in 2014 with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Saratov Region and the Saratov Socio-Economic Institute of Plekhanov Russian University of Economics. The organizers were the Global Shapers Community Saratov.
The goal of the project was to raise the level of culture and education in Saratov and the region, to attract the attention of patrons to the preservation of the city’s architectural features, to support historical style in contemporary construction, and to draw public attention to the condition of private households.
More than one hundred applicants submitted applications to participate, but only 12 photographers passed the competitive selection.
During the project, participants conducted photo shoots of more than 15 historical buildings of the city: the mansion of F. Katenev, the estate of V. P. Alexandrovsky, the mansion of I. P. Schmidt, the mansion of engineer Timofeev, the Opera and Ballet Theatre, the Conservatory building, and many others.
A competition of the created photographic works was held, as a result of which a professional jury selected the winners. Natalia Menyakina took 3rd place.