Mikhail Kotyukov reported to Vladimir Putin on the work of the National Centre RUSSIA in the Krasnoyarsk Territory
On 3 August, the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, made a
working visit to the Krasnoyarsk Territory. During a meeting with Governor
Mikhail Kotyukov, the head of the region reported to the President on the work
of the branch of the National Centre RUSSIA. According to the governor, the
space has already become one of the key attractions for residents and visitors
to Krasnoyarsk.
Vladimir Putin asked about the popularity of the new public space. The governor
noted that the National Centre RUSSIA, which was among the first branches in
the country to open, has already welcomed more than 150,000 visitors. According
to him, the space has become a popular destination for residents and visitors
to the regional capital, while its family-oriented format makes it equally
engaging for children and older people.
"More than 150,000 people [have visited it]. Guided tours are held every
day. We run the exposition as well as scientific, educational and
awareness-raising events. We have 40,000 square metres there. It has already
become a favourite place for residents and visitors to the city. Everyone who
comes here asks, 'Can we visit the National Centre?' — 'Of course, please do.'
We show it to them, and we very much hope, Vladimir Vladimirovich, that during
one of your future visits you will be able to visit the National Centre and see
how we have implemented the project. It really is something to be proud of. We
show how the Krasnoyarsk Territory has developed, what our key industries are
today, and how the economy, social sector and volunteer movement are organised.
It is also very important that it was designed as a family-oriented space. In
other words, it is interesting for family members of different ages: children,
adults and our older generation," the governor noted.
In April 2026, the branch of the National Centre RUSSIA in the Krasnoyarsk
Territory hosted Space Week, a major event marking the 65th anniversary of Yuri
Gagarin's flight. Mikhail Kotyukov highlighted the success of the project,
emphasising the enormous interest it generated among young people. According to
him, this audience should provide the future workforce needed to meet the
ambitious objectives facing Russia's space industry.
"Following your instruction, we held Space Week for the first time this
year. More than 7,000 young people visited the venue during that week in April.
The level of interest was enormous, and I am confident that this will remain an
important area of development for young people in the Krasnoyarsk Territory for
many years to come. We began on 6 [April] and finished on 12 [April]. On
Sunday, the National Centre was due to close at eight in the evening. I arrived
shortly before closing, and there were still a great many people. We extended
the opening hours by another two hours because it was genuinely interesting.
With the support of Roscosmos, there was an exposition featuring models of
every Russian satellite ever assembled in Krasnoyarsk, while two-thirds of the
satellites currently in orbit originated on the banks of the Yenisei.
Naturally, our children and school pupils were extremely interested. During the
first few days, we organised guided tours for school classes, but later the
children brought their parents at the weekend, and entire families, from the
youngest to the oldest, were deeply engaged," Mikhail Kotyukov said.
Space Week was organised as part of the Decade of Science
and Technology. Its key event was the All-Russian Space Forum, attended by
experts from Roscosmos and Rostec, where participants discussed the development
of satellite manufacturing in the region. Guests could visit an interactive
exposition on the use of space technologies in everyday life, attend lectures
by scientists from the Krasnoyarsk Scientific Centre of the Siberian Branch of
the Russian Academy of Sciences, meet cosmonauts and industry veterans, watch
the documentary "Space Above the Yenisei", and visit a health zone
where they could test their readiness for "flight".
The National Centre RUSSIA is joining the nationwide #RaiseTheFlag campaign and invites everyone to take part in the flash mob of the same name.
The forum programme includes business, cultural and sporting events.
