More than 50,000 visitors attended the "Book of Fairy Tales" exposition at the National Centre RUSSIA

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The "Book of Fairy Tales" exposition concluded on 28 February at the National Centre RUSSIA. Since 13 December, more than 50,000 people have visited the exposition — guests immersed themselves in the atmosphere of a winter journey into a fairytale world and discovered the cultural diversity of the country’s regions. The project not only gave visitors unforgettable impressions but also demonstrated the unity of Russia’s diverse regions through the prism of fairytale imagery. This was stated by Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA Natalia Virtuozova.

"Our winter journey into a fairytale world has come to an end. During this time, more than 50,000 people visited the exposition 'Book of Fairy Tales'. I would like to thank every guest. Special thanks go to the eight regions that took part in this project: the Stavropol region, the Republic of Karelia, the Ryazan region, the Komi Republic, the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Area, the Vologda region, the Republic of Mordovia and the Kaliningrad region," Natalia Virtuozova noted.

The Stavropol region presented the legend of the Eagle and the Snake, symbolising strength and renewal. Karelia immersed visitors in the epic "Kalevala" with its kantele, petroglyphs and the Sampo mill. The Ryazan region appeared as a New Year capital with its dancing forest and chest of predictions. The Komi Republic invited guests to visit the winter wizard Kodzyd Pol. Yamal welcomed visitors with the northern lights, bone-carving imagery, legends of the Blue Giants and a real "Sever" all-terrain vehicle. The Vologda region revealed the spirit of the Russian North through lacework, wooden windows and the image of the Bird of Happiness. Mordovia spoke to visitors in the language of traditional embroidery and national ornaments inspired by Erzya and Moksha legends. At the stand of the Kaliningrad region, a special place was given to the Firebird — guardian of light — which made its "nest" in this region.

In addition to fairytale journeys, unique roly-poly dolls (nevalyashka) in regional designs attracted particular attention from visitors of all ages — traditional Kotovsk toys decorated in the themes of Russia’s regions. They can be seen at the Department Store of the National Centre RUSSIA, where a separate project dedicated to these vivid images has been launched. Each doll tells its own story — about the traditions, ornaments and character of its region.

"The roly-poly dolls were gifted to us by our regions. Each one is unique and distinctive. Together they show how different we are, yet how joyful it is to be united. Every guest of the National Centre RUSSIA can admire them and try to unravel their mystery," Natalia Virtuozova added.

The Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA also invited everyone to the next exposition, "Geography Lessons", which will open on 3 April. The project will unfold across eight thematic zones, each revealing a particular facet of geographical knowledge. Separate sections will be devoted to the development of the country’s transport arteries, its natural resources and their role in the life of the state.