A fairy tale behind bars: snow sculptures by Kuzbass prisoners in 2026
Where in Kuzzbas are the most unexpected and inaccessible snow galleries? Behind the walls of local prisons and detention centers, inmates create whole parks of sculptures from snow and ice.
Jan 25, 2026 0
These snow sculptures could easily hold their own on the region«s main squares.
Source:
press service of the Main Directorate of the Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN) for Kuzbass
Where in Kuzbass are the most unexpected and inaccessible snow galleries? The answer lies within the closed territories of local prisons and detention centers. Here, away from public view, prisoners themselves create entire sculpture parks from snow and ice. Horses, penguins, bears, and minions that, in terms of scale and beauty, could honestly give city installations serious competition. Photos of these decorations were shown on Wednesday, January 21, by the press service of the regional Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN) department.
Inmates in Kuzbass create intricate snow figures as part of an annual winter competition.
Source:
press service of the Main Directorate of the Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN) for Kuzbass
Convicts in Kuzbass«s prisons traditionally compete for the title of best ice craftsmen. Each year, the imagination and skills of the inmates amaze more and more: with their own hands, they erect multi-colored figures several meters tall, transforming harsh territories into fantastical snow parks.
Snow and ice art behind prison walls transforms the penal landscape each winter.
Source:
press service of the Main Directorate of the Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN) for Kuzbass
People in strict isolation draw inspiration from cartoons and the main symbols of the New Year. A particular field for competition in originality this season has been the depiction of horses.
The competition among prisoners showcases detailed sculptures inspired by popular culture.
Source:
press service of the Main Directorate of the Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN) for Kuzbass
System staff annually select the three best snow towns. Let«s also try to determine which of the snow-recreated scenes you liked best—write your opinion in the comments.
A horse theme was prominent in this season«s snow sculpture contest for inmates.
Source:
press service of the Main Directorate of the Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN) for Kuzbass
The NGS42.RU editorial team visited Kemerovo prison No. 43 and went through all the stages that prisoners undergo in a correctional facility. Some places in the institution, which is recognized as the best in Russia, honestly surprised us. At times it was hard to tell if we were in a place of strict isolation from society or in a children«s camp.
Prisoners use their skills to build large, colorful figures from packed snow.
Source:
press service of the Main Directorate of the Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN) for Kuzbass
You can also try to guess in our game which locations are for those serving sentences and which are for children and teenagers.
The scale of the snow art rivals public installations in nearby cities.
Source:
press service of the Main Directorate of the Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN) for Kuzbass
Authorities select the top three snow towns created within the penitentiary system.
Source:
press service of the Main Directorate of the Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN) for Kuzbass
The winter tradition provides a creative outlet for inmates in remote facilities.
Source:
press service of the Main Directorate of the Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN) for Kuzbass
Cartoon characters are a common source of inspiration for the snow sculptures.
Source:
press service of the Main Directorate of the Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN) for Kuzbass
The event is organized by the regional branch of the prison service authority.
Source:
press service of the Main Directorate of the Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN) for Kuzbass
Snow parks built by inmates feature a variety of animals and figures.
Source:
press service of the Main Directorate of the Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN) for Kuzbass
The annual contest highlights the craftsmanship of prisoners in the region.
Source:
press service of the Main Directorate of the Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN) for Kuzbass
A media outlet recently toured a prison recognized for its conditions.
Source:
press service of the Main Directorate of the Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN) for Kuzbass
Photos released by officials offer a glimpse into the winter activity.
Source:
press service of the Main Directorate of the Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN) for Kuzbass
The imaginative snow creations are documented and shared with the public.
Source:
press service of the Main Directorate of the Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN) for Kuzbass
Readers are invited to compare prison facilities with children«s spaces online.
Source:
press service of the Main Directorate of the Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN) for Kuzbass
