Features of Nicholas Roerich's approach to the preservation of cultural and artistic heritage

The subject of this article is connected with the issue of N. K. Roerich’s contribution into developing the basis of memory culture as alternative to vandalism towards the past of different countries and peoples. The article unfolds the humanistic potential of selfless work of the brilliant artist and original thinker to preserve the national cultural heritage as part of global fund of material, spiritual and artistic values. It’s emphasized that the active interest of Roerich in the tasks of forming ethical foundations of the memory culture was inspired by his deep belief in the necessity of putting the main principles of humanism into practice. Long before the appearance of fundamental works on commemorative culture he offered a number of ideas on active opposition to the tendencies of vandalism towards the cultural heritage of the past, that are reflected in his Pact of Peace (Roerich Pact). Socio-humanitarian significance of this cultural text is confirmed by a number of challenges of globalism in contemporary life.