The future of the National Centre RUSSIA presented to participants of the Higher School of Management in Culture

Participants of the Higher School of Management in Culture visited the National Centre RUSSIA. More than 80 cultural leaders from across the country explored grounds and expositions of the National Centre and talked with Ksenia Mayer, Deputy Director General for Construction and Operations of the National Centre RUSSIA. During the discussion, she presented the architectural concept and underlying vision of the future National Centre, whose construction began in 2026.

The third cohort of the programme began in spring 2026. It brought together 86 participants from 36 regions of Russia, as well as the Republic of Abkhazia. The group includes serving regional Ministers of Culture and heads of cultural, artistic and creative institutions. Seventeen veterans of the special military operation who now work in the cultural sector are also taking part, alongside specialists from the Russian Ministry of Defence and other security agencies.

The third module of the programme is taking place from 11 to 16 July. It focuses on the culture of change management, with participants exploring the Russian model of governance, its traditions and innovations, values, high adaptability and ability to achieve results even in times of crisis through the effective mobilisation of resources.

As part of the training, participants visit some of the country's leading cultural and educational venues. On 12 July, they came to the National Centre RUSSIA, where the day began with an interactive tour of the permanent "Journey Across Russia" exposition. This was followed by a discussion with Ksenia Mayer, Deputy Director General for Construction and Operations of the National Centre RUSSIA. She introduced participants to the design of the future National Centre RUSSIA, construction of which has already begun in Moscow and is scheduled for completion in 2029.

"Our task is both multifaceted and clear: the National Centre RUSSIA must become an architectural landmark of global significance and a symbol of modern Russia. We are creating a space that will tell the story of our country through its structures, forms and materials. At the same time, we aim to preserve cultural legacy while bringing together art and cutting-edge technology. The vision for the future Centre was inspired by the Pokrov (protective veil) as a symbol of unity and bringing people together. The pattern of this 'floating' Pokrov will be composed of traditional ornaments from the peoples of Russia," said Ksenia Mayer.

Participants had a chance to immerse themselves in the concept for the future exposition space, exploring both its architectural vision and its symbolic meaning. They also shared ideas and proposals that could be implemented at the National Centre RUSSIA.

The Higher School of Management in Culture is a professional development programme for senior leadership talent in the fields of culture, the arts and the creative industries. It is delivered by the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation in partnership with the Presidential Executive Office of the Russian Federation. The programme is organised by the "Meganom" Academy of Creative Industries.