The Narva Museum council decided at the end of October to extend Maria Smorževskihh-Smirnova's contract. She will continue to work as the museum's director for another five years.
The council chairperson Krista Nelson said that they can extend the contract without holding a new competition. Representatives from Narva on the council wanted an open competition. However, the majority decision was to continue with the current director.
Marina Šurupova said that holding a competition would have been fair. She added that the museum should talk more about the history of the city. But she has nothing bad to say about the director's work.
Nelson said that it is difficult to find a good director in Narva. Previous competitions have been unsuccessful. They are satisfied with the current director and want to continue working with her.
Smorževskihh-Smirnova's salary will increase with the new contract taking effect. Currently, she earns 3000 euros per month. Directors of other large museums earn 4500–5500 euros.
Nelson praised the director's work. During her tenure, significant work has been done at the museum. For example, buildings have been renovated and roofs repaired. The museum has received more funding and attention.
In the future, it is planned to renovate the art gallery and repair the roof of the convent building. Additionally, new exhibitions will be opened, including ones about the Kreenholm industry.
Smorževskihh-Smirnova's new term begins on February 1, 2026.