International youth discover Kaliningrad amber craftsmanship at the National Centre RUSSIA stand at the International Festival of Youth — 2026
The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the monument to Prince Vladimir, an amber pike and the Museum of the World Ocean — international visitors to the National Centre RUSSIA stand at the International Festival of Youth — 2026 (IFY-2026) discovered the Kaliningrad Region through unique works made from the region's famous "sun stone". The masterclass was led by amber artist Lyudmila Vysotskaya.
The artist explained that she wanted to showcase the Kaliningrad Region in all its diversity through recognisable and symbolic images. Lyudmila Vysotskaya noted that she had been working with amber since childhood and had been practising the craft for 40 years. This is her first time taking part in the masterclasses held by the National Centre RUSSIA at the festival. According to her, the opportunity to present Kaliningrad's amber craftsmanship to a youth audience from around the world is both a great honour and a source of immense joy.
"We are being welcomed here by people from more than 190 countries — welcomed with joy, happiness and smiles — and our emotions are incredible! People of completely different nationalities are all here together, united and smiling. Everyone is representing their country in their own way. I am so happy to be taking part and representing my country and my native region through our Kaliningrad craft," the artist said.
The National Centre RUSSIA creative workshops in the "Cultural Code" thematic space have become one of the most lively and popular parts of IFY-2026 programme. At the stand, visitors from different countries can discover the diversity of traditional Russian crafts, meet artisans and try making their own creations. The workshops introduce participants to traditions from different regions, from working with down and wood to painting toys and artistic amber processing.
The National Centre RUSSIA stand also features the Department Store RUSSIA, offering products from Russian manufacturers and traditional crafts. The centrepiece of the stand is the interactive "Nevalyashki" ("Roly-Poly Toys") installation, comprising 250 figures.
The International Festival of Youth — 2026 is taking place from 11 to 17 September. This year, it has brought together 10,000 participants from Russia and other countries, with a programme featuring discussions, expositions, sports and cultural events. The National Centre RUSSIA stand in Yekaterinburg is open from 13 to 16 September in the "Cultural Code" thematic space. It features products and crafts from Russian regions, ranging from sweets, tea and cosmetics to ceramics, jewellery, textiles and traditional handicrafts.
Dmitry Chernyshenko, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, visited the National Centre RUSSIA stand at the International Festival of Youth — 2026 (IFY-2026) in Yekaterinburg.
The event formed part of the cultural and educational programme of the "Legacy. Theatre. The Greats" exposition.
The National Centre RUSSIA stand at the International Festival of Youth — 2026 in Yekaterinburg is proving popular with participants from different countries.
