7 reasons to spend a summer day at the National Centre RUSSIA

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Summer in the city can take many forms, but this time of year always calls for a sense of lightness, welcome coolness and new experiences. You'll find all that and more at the National Centre RUSSIA. We invite you to spend these summer days with purpose, discovery and that special atmosphere unique to June, July and August.

1. Educational leisure for the whole family

Summer at the National Centre RUSSIA is a time for discovering regional culture, history, geography and traditions. There is no need to memorise dates here — simply walk through the permanent and temporary exposition spaces to appreciate just how vast and diverse Russia is.

The expositions are designed to engage visitors of all ages: adults can expand their knowledge or revisit familiar memories with nostalgia, while younger guests make exciting discoveries of their own.

Afterwards, families can continue sharing impressions over a meal at the "Journey Across Russia. Food" Gastronomic Rows or in the cosy buffet on the second floor, enjoying unhurried conversations and genuine emotions coming from the heart.

2. The permanent exposition "Journey Across Russia"

The heart of the National Centre RUSSIA is the exposition that brings the entire country together under one roof.

There are no "major" or "minor" regions here. Each federal district is represented through its distinctive symbols, traditions and achievements, each with its own character and charm.

You will discover how people live from Kaliningrad to Kamchatka: what industries they develop, what crafts they preserve and master, what clothes they wear and what games they play with their children, and what records they set.

"Journey Across Russia" is not an exposition in the conventional sense. It is a space where every exhibit invites you to linger, because behind each of them lies a story of pride or achievement, large or small.

3. The "Geography Lessons" exposition

Until 9 July, the National Centre RUSSIA is hosting an exposition that invites both local residents and international visitors to see the map of Russia from a new perspective.

The "Geography Lessons" go far beyond dull textbook facts. They tell the captivating story of how previous generations discovered, explored and cherished their land.

Visitors can admire cartographic treasures from the Russian State Library and the Russian Geographical Society, alongside research findings from leading universities and scientific centres. Ancient scrolls stand beside digital maps, while early geographical discoveries are presented alongside images captured from space.

Interactive areas occupy a special place in the exposition, allowing guests not only to observe but also to participate in a variety of activities, such as planning routes, comparing scales and even learning how to pitch a camping tent.

4. A wide-ranging educational programme

The National Centre RUSSIA offers far more than expositions.

Visitors can take part in engaging lectures and educational programmes, as well as quests and workshops covering topics ranging from calligraphy and first aid to cartography and digital design.

At the literary club "What to Read?!", guests discuss Russian literary legacy and meet contemporary authors who serve as the club's experts.

The lecture hall of the "Geography Lessons" exposition regularly holds meetings with scientists, travellers and experts who know the country through first-hand experience rather than textbooks.

New educational initiatives are continually introduced and existing programmes are updated, thus evolving in both format and content, ensuring that every visit to the National Centre RUSSIA offers something new to discover.

5. A summer collection at the Department Store

The Department Store of the National Centre RUSSIA is more than a showcase of regional brands and traditional crafts — it is a space where they find their voice.

The products and souvenirs on display present a portrait of genuine present-day Russia: respectful of tradition while remaining up-to-date and open to experimentation.

As always, visitors can browse and purchase Gzhel ceramics, linen and down shawls, handcrafted tableware, delicacies and designer accessories.

Created especially for the summer season, the latest collection presented at the Department Store includes lightweight woven furniture, distinctive accessories by designers from different regions, new skincare products and other items inspired by Russia's natural wealth, architecture and flora.

At the centre of the seasonal display is a living room styled after a merchant estate, accompanied by an improvised garden featuring elegant baskets overflowing with the generous gifts of the Russian countryside.

6. Culinary traditions from every corner of the country

Summer at the National Centre RUSSIA is also an opportunity to discover new flavours.

The Gastronomic Rows transform an ordinary meal into a journey across Russia's regions. Four food corners showcase the culinary traditions of the South, West, East and North of our country.

Guests can sample dishes once served in Cossack settlements and Volga merchant households, on the tables of Pomor fishermen, in Siberian villages, Far Eastern chums (traditional tents) and the homes of Caucasian highlanders.

Specially for the summer season, each corner offers refreshing drinks made from natural ingredients, including classic lemonade and varieties flavoured with apple and tarragon, blackcurrant and honeysuckle, and strawberry and basil.

The North corner also serves one of summer's greatest pleasures: ice cream.

7. Good weather and a warm welcome every day

Whatever the weather outside — a breezy morning, a scorching afternoon, bright sunshine or a cool rainy evening — the National Centre RUSSIA offers the same welcoming atmosphere, attentive staff and comfortable spaces perfect for leisurely family strolls.

After your visit, you can head outdoors to capture photographs by the embankment of Moscow's main river or against the glittering skyline of Moscow City.

Come on your own or bring friends and family. Here, every day can become a small adventure for you.

The National Centre RUSSIA welcomes visitors daily except Mondays, from 10:00 to 20:00. All events are free of charge, although some require advance registration on the russia.ru website. Check the "Events" section and the Centre's social media channels for the latest programme of events updates.

May the warm memories of a summer spent at the National Centre RUSSIA stay with you long after the season ends.