Architecture of motion: visitors to the National Centre RUSSIA will learn about the art of designing the country’s transport infrastructure

One of the many sources of pride in Russia’s architectural legacy is its transport infrastructure. On July 31, the National Centre RUSSIA will host the lecture "Transport Architecture of Russia," dedicated to advanced solutions, technologies, and the craftsmanship behind the country’s transport hubs. The event is part of the lecture series "Symbols of Time," presented by renowned art historian and architectural expert Yelizaveta Likhacheva.

Russia’s transport infrastructure is more than just a collection of functional facilities – it is a true manifestation of architectural artistry that reflects its era and technological progress. From the majestic railway stations of the 19th century to state-of-the-art airport complexes, each structure tells a unique story, seamlessly blending engineering ingenuity, artistic vision, and maximum comfort for millions of passengers.

During the lecture, guests will embark on a captivating journey through the evolution of the country’s transport architecture. They will discover how design approaches have changed from imperial times to the present day, explore some of the most impressive railway stations, bridges, airports, and even car parks, learn how modern technologies are transforming transport hubs, and understand why such facilities often become a city’s calling card. A special focus will be given to the origin and development of railway architecture in Russia.

Joining Yelizaveta Likhacheva in conversation will be architectural historian and tour guide Ayrat Bagautdinov, head of the educational company "Through the Eyes of an Engineer" and chair of the Interregional Union of Tour Guides, along with Alexander Zmeul, PhD in History, independent researcher, curator, author and columnist.

This discussion on transport infrastructure architecture will take place within the context of the exposition "The Birth of Scale," which opened at the National Centre RUSSIA in March and showcases the grandeur of Russia through its architectural legacy. The exposition features items from the National Centre RUSSIA's own collection, as well as the ones from museums and private collectors across the country — including tools used by architects throughout history, blueprints and scale models of both realised and visionary projects. A separate section is dedicated to the future of Russian architecture, featuring children’s creative studios, student workshops, and works by young architects.

Watch the series of educational lectures of the National Centre RUSSIA with art scholar Yelizaveta Likhacheva and discover more about Russian architecture.

Partners of the exposition "The Birth of Scale" include DOM.RF, the Ministry of Construction of Russia, Gazprom, the A. V. Shchusev State Research Museum of Architecture, the Russian State Archive of Literature and Art, the Yakov Chernikhov Architectural Charity Foundation, and the HSE Art and Design School.

The "Symbols of Time" series with Yelizaveta Likhacheva will soon be expanded to include discussions on visual art, sculpture, photography, fashion, and the role of the curator in contemporary culture. Follow updates on russia.ru and on the social media pages of the National Centre RUSSIA.