Abstract. The article examines steps to modernize legislation in the field of culture during the period of transformation of the socio-economic development of Russia, which constitutes an array of “cultural” legislation designed to ensure freedom of literary, artistic and other types of creativity and teaching, the right to participate in cultural life and use cultural institutions , on access to cultural values, establishes the limits of responsibilities for the preservation of historical and cultural heritage, and in particular, historical and cultural monuments. The conclusion is made about the need for a radical revision of the body of laws on culture, strengthening the influence of culture on all aspects of state policy, suggesting clarification of existing and introduction of new norms in various sections of the legislation of the Russian Federation from the point of view of the impact on the processes of education, personality formation, creative activity, preservation of cultural heritage, formation of a favorable information environment.