In the course of reconstruction during the last decades, historic centre of Moscow has been partially replaced by imitations of old architecture. Reconstruction of Moscow and some other Russian cities includes not only selective replacement of old buildings but also transformation of remaining ones. After the reconstruction, it is sometimes difficult to envisage original appearance. Which arguments are voiced in support of the current reconstruction? Continuation of imperial traditions, idealized as they are today, or invented anew, as if no fin de siecle, revolution and constitution have...