Alexander Lyskin: "Geography is the foundation of a meaningful view of the world"

Geography is not just a school subject, but a key to understanding the world: it connects events and places, the past and the future, traditions and technologies. This idea is vividly embodied in the exposition "Geography Lessons", which is welcoming its first visitors at the National Centre RUSSIA. Alexander Lyskin — a member of the Russian Geographical Society and the Russian Union of Journalists, a photographer for the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), a lecturer at the Moscow Institute of Photography MIPAP, and a member of the Royal Photographic Society of Great Britain — shared his impressions of the project.

The researcher emphasised the fundamental role of geography in the modern world and noted the particular value of the new exposition for young people.

"Without knowledge of geography, it is impossible to understand what is happening in life — whether we want it or not, it is simply essential. Today I walked around the National Centre RUSSIA and was genuinely impressed. I wish it had existed during my school years — I would have gladly spent time here. Everyone has their own childhood, but the space is truly remarkable. Without an understanding of geography, we remain, in a sense, unaware — we do not see the connections between events, places and cultures. The exposition is designed precisely to show that geography is the foundation of a meaningful view of the world," said Alexander Lyskin.

Photo: Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA

The expert also noted that the exposition helps break the stereotype of geography as a dull school discipline: "Progress is moving very fast — and the exposition clearly demonstrates this. As soon as we enter the hall, we see a striking contrast: a simple carriage alongside a modern high-speed train. This shows how rapidly transport, infrastructure and the very routes of spatial development are changing. Geography makes it possible to understand these processes, to see their logic and their connection with history, economics and culture. It teaches us to navigate not only a map, but also the flow of time. Without such understanding, it is difficult to truly exist in the modern world. The exposition makes this visible: it brings together artefacts of the past with modern technologies and offers a holistic picture."

"Geography Lessons" is a project of the National Centre RUSSIA. It is a journey through the centuries: from ancient scrolls to digital maps, from the first geographical discoveries to the exploration of space. The exposition features unique cartographic treasures from the country’s leading collections, including the Russian State Library, the Russian Geographical Society, as well as major archives, universities and research centres. The project is aimed at promoting geographical knowledge, fostering patriotism and encouraging interest in the country’s multinational character and cultural diversity. The exposition, designed for a family audience and schoolchildren aged 9–16, will run until 9 July. Admission is free.