Children’s space and national identity: project inspired by Dymkovo toys launched in Yekaterinburg
On 15 September, a 558-square-metre children's playground inspired by Dymkovo toys opened in Yekaterinburg's Preobrazhensky Park. The project is the first in a series of children's spaces based on the imagery and artistic techniques of Russia's traditional handicrafts.
"Projects like this are particularly valuable because children discover culture through their own experience. They can literally step into an image that until recently existed only as a small toy and learn its colours, shape and character through play. For adults, this also works as an opportunity to see familiar cultural legacy in a new way and pass it on to children," said Yelena Yampolskaya, Chair of the Council under the National Centre RUSSIA for the Development and Promotion of a New Russian Style in Public Spaces and Adviser to the President of the Russian Federation.
Dymkovo toys are among Russia's most recognisable traditional crafts. The tradition developed in the Dymkovo settlement near Vyatka and is associated with making clay figures of people, animals and birds. The craft is characterised by stylised forms, bright painting on white figurines and recurring geometric patterns, including circles, dots, stripes, checks and diamonds.
The project was implemented by the Council under the National Centre RUSSIA for
the Development and Promotion of a New Russian Style in Public Spaces for the
development and promotion of a new Russian style in public spaces. While
creating the playground, specialists adapted imagery and artistic techniques
characteristic of Dymkovo toys for a modern play environment. The National
Centre RUSSIA serves as a platform for implementing the Council's projects.
Traditional Dymkovo toy characters and forms became the basis for the playground's structures. The site features a Russian stove, the "Turkey" slide, the "Fair" carousel and "Cockerel" and "Duck" spring riders. The facilities are designed for children of different age groups. The craft's artistic features are also reflected in the design of the space. A white background and the red, blue, yellow, green and orange colours characteristic of Dymkovo painting are used for the play equipment and surfacing. Geometric patterns feature in the ground navigation, markings and other details of the playground.
Specialists from the Kirov Region — the land where the Dymkovo toy tradition originated — took part in developing the playground's concept. Their involvement helped preserve the craft's distinctive features in the design of the play structures and decorative elements.
"As a centuries-old craft of the Kirov Region, Dymkovo toys are moving beyond souvenir shops. Their recognisable patterns are becoming part of the urban environment not only in our region, but also beyond it. The opening of a Dymkovo-style children's playground in Yekaterinburg is a vivid example of this. The Kirov Region is ready to offer other regions of the country solutions that have stood the test of time. I would like to thank our colleagues in the Sverdlovsk Region Government, the National Centre RUSSIA team and the Moscow Investors Club for implementing this project. In addition to urban spaces, Dymkovo motifs can be used in the production of furniture and toys. This will make traditional culture part of our everyday lives, helping to create a shared cultural space," said Alexander Sokolov, Governor of the Kirov Region.
The project was implemented as part of the development of public infrastructure in Yekaterinburg's Akademichesky District. The playground was funded by the area's developer, KORTROS Group.
"For KORTROS Group, it is particularly valuable that Akademichesky became the first location where this idea was brought to life. The playground is an example of how cultural meanings can be naturally integrated into everyday life and become accessible to children through play. We follow the principle of a 'territory of growth': we create spaces where the district's potential can unfold and a vibrant, developing community can take shape. We are confident that this pilot project will serve as a foundation for implementing similar solutions in other cities," said Stanislav Kiselev, Director General of KORTROS Group.
Implementing the concept required the development and production of customised playground elements that took into account the distinctive features of Dymkovo toys. KORTROS Group commissioned Zabava Group to create them.
"The team at ZABAVA Group was tasked with creating a unique play facility in the style of the traditional Dymkovo toy craft and integrating its recognisable imagery into a modern play environment suitable for different age groups. Several elements and compositions associated with the traditional craft were identified, followed by extensive work on creating 3D models and design documentation to launch the production cycle. All stages of production were coordinated with Dymkovo craftswomen and craftsmen. The elements had to comply with all safety standards and requirements while retaining their distinctive character and vibrant colours. When selecting materials, we considered the intensity of use, environmental sustainability, safety and functionality. We transformed individual elements into a cohesive play space where traditional craft meets modern design. The joyful reactions of the girls and boys became our reward for all the work," said Yury Timofeyev, Director General of ZABAVA Group LLC.
Particular attention was paid to ensuring that the traditional elements met the requirements of a modern play environment. As a result, individual Dymkovo toy motifs were brought together into an integrated complex of play and functional elements.
"Our project team is currently developing a programme for the implementation and quality control of playgrounds in the national style across other regions of Russia. A great deal of work lies ahead, both with the regions and representatives of major businesses. We are open to dialogue and ready to discuss possible forms of cooperation. All information about the project is available on the Council's website," said Andrei Melentyev, Secretary of the Council.
The Council under the National Centre RUSSIA for the Development and Promotion
of a New Russian Style in Public Spaces was established on the instructions of
the President of the Russian Federation on 17 April 2025. The National Centre
RUSSIA serves as a platform for implementing the Council's projects.
Yekaterinburg has opened the country's first new-generation children's playground inspired by the Dymkovo toy.
Its central theme was the development of visual culture through educational projects, public spaces and new approaches to environmental design.
The formal line will form the basis of the representative wardrobe of Russian teams at international contests.
