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In the 1950s, nearly all the icons in the museum's collection were discarded, as sacred art was not considered a significant part of the heritage at that time. From the 1980s to the 2000s, colleagues from what was then Leningrad, now Saint Petersburg, and the Estonian Border Guard helped replenish this loss. Dozens of icons were donated to the museum, some of which can now be seen in the newly opened Icon Room (Ikoonikamber) exhibition, part of the museum's updated display in 2023.
The Paul, Sergius, and Catherine icon is extremely fragile — the metal has darkened, the textiles are deteriorating, and the faces of the saints are barely visible. Only after restoration will it be possible to appreciate the craftsmanship of its creators. During another project, Narva’s Wooden Baroque, some findings confirmed that this icon is an extraordinary work of art. A surface XRF analysis revealed that the saints' faces are not made of metal but from an as-yet-unidentified material, sparking even greater interest in this piece.
The restoration will require tens of hours from skilled specialists. Anyone who wishes to contribute can help: a donation of €3.50 will restore 1 cm² of the icon, while €32 will cover 1% of the work. Once restoration is complete, the museum will proudly present the icon to the public, revealing its secrets and preserving this unique heritage for future generations.
Donation boxes are available in the Narva Museum gift shop and art gallery.