Delegation of high-profile guests visits the National Centre RUSSIA branch in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area – Yugra

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During its first day of operation, the branch of the National Centre RUSSIA in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area — Yugra welcomed among its first guests an official delegation. Prior to the grand opening ceremony, the venue was toured by Alexei Zharich, Deputy Head of the Presidential Directorate for Social Projects, Natalia Virtuozova, Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA, and Ruslan Kukharuk, Governor of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area.

The tour for the delegation began with a visit to the "CHUM Street" (Tent Street) and an introduction to the traditions and daily life of the Indigenous peoples of the North. The guests watched the dance flash mob named "Beautiful Far Away", which became a tradition after being performed first at the International RUSSIA EXPO. Now it accompanies the launch of all branches of the National Centre RUSSIA. The flash mob was joined by the venue's first visitors, as well as volunteers of the National Centre.

The opening of the National Centre RUSSIA branch is timed to coincide with the region's 95th anniversary. The creation of the new venue is being carried out on the instructions of the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin. Its goal is to showcase the country's most important achievements, strengthen national identity, foster a sense of pride in Russia among its citizens, and develop the professional skills of children and young people.

Yugra is one of five regions where the National Centre branches are being created as a priority. The opening of the National Centre RUSSIA in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area — Yugra will continue the implementation and development of the concept based on the region's rich history, its current achievements, and prospective development plans. The total area of the branch is over 6,000 square metres.

For the members of the official delegation, a tour of the venue's key exposition, "See Yugra — Fall in Love with Russia!", was held. The exposition combines the region's historical, cultural, and contemporary achievements, fostering a sense of pride in Yugra and engaging visitors of all ages and backgrounds.

The exposition blends classical and digital formats with interactive solutions catering to different ways of perceiving information. It includes several halls: an introductory hall, which serves as a conceptual prologue; the "Pride Through Time" hall; the "Dialogue of Nature and Humanity" hall; the "Hearth of Legends" hall; the "Pride of the Future" hall; the "Flight Over Yugra" cinema hall; and a hall for temporary expositions.

Furthermore, on opening day, an enlightening programme dedicated to the heroic deeds and achievements of our country commenced at the branch. The visitors learned about true-life examples of courage and success, heard stories about people whose deeds inspire new generations, and discussed how personal achievements are linked to the country's development.

The Russian society Znanie held an enlightening meeting with the athlete Maxim Khramtsov. Maxim Khramtsov is the first Olympic champion in taekwondo in the history of Russian sport, the 2017 World Champion, two-time European Champion, champion of the 2019 Military World Games, five-time Grand Prix Champion, and Honoured Master of Sports of Russia. Young people from Khanty-Mansiysk had a chance to speak with the renowned athlete in an open dialogue format.

Today, the "Heroes of the Fatherland" exposition opened in the branch's temporary exposition hall. The project is dedicated to residents of Yugra whose lives are connected to key military events in the country's history — from the Great Patriotic War to modern armed conflicts.

Additionally, as part of the festive programme, guests can visit both the Gastronomic Rows to enjoy the dishes from various regions of Russia, and the Department Store RUSSIA to explore goods from local producers as well as from across the country.

The broadcast of the grand opening ceremony can be viewed on the National Centre RUSSIA website. Free tours can be booked via the link.