Year in review and development plans: Natalia Virtuozova visits the National Centre RUSSIA in Primorye

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The National Centre RUSSIA in the Primorye Territory has welcomed more than 140,000 guests over its first year of operation. More than 500 business, educational, cultural and public awareness events have been held there. On 2 September, the branch was visited by the National Centre RUSSIA team headed by the Director General, Natalia Virtuozova. A working meeting was held at the venue to review the branch's activities and discuss development plans.

The National Centre RUSSIA in the Primorye Territory opened in Vladivostok on 7 September 2025 and became the first regional branch of the National Centre RUSSIA. On 4 September 2025, the venue was visited by the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, giving the National Centre RUSSIA in Primorye a special status from its very first day of operation. 

"The National Centre RUSSIA branch in Primorye is special because it was the first. This is a historic place — there used to be an oceanarium here, and we made a commitment to local residents to preserve the memory of this place and what was dear to the people of the city. Today, it is a bright, welcoming and very interesting space that has been noticeably transformed over the past year. When President Vladimir Putin visited the branch in 2025, he noted how easy and relaxed it felt here. And you have managed to preserve that atmosphere. We genuinely have much to learn from our colleagues. As for our plans, we will continue to develop the branch as a space of importance to the entire country and the Far East. Next year, construction will begin on a new spacious hall within walking distance of the National Centre. Improvements to the embankment will also continue. I would like to thank the teams of the Governor of the Primorye Territory, Oleg Kozhemyako, and the branch for their support and belief in our common cause," Natalia Virtuozova emphasised.

She also said that the exposition had changed and been updated over the course of the year. Temporary expositions dedicated to projects by Russian corporations were held there. Today, guests are welcomed by an exposition on the history of Primorye from ancient times to the present day, as well as an exposition on the region's flagship development projects. 

"The National Centre RUSSIA in Vladivostok aims to become not only one of the landmark venues of the Primorye Territory, but also the largest space of its kind in the Far East. We take part in all major events in the region. Since the branch opened, it has hosted more than 500 business, educational, cultural and public awareness events. More than 140,000 people have visited the National Centre in Vladivostok, over half of them children and young people. What matters most to us is that, after visiting, they leave with a genuine interest in their country and a sense of pride in the Motherland," shared the Head of the National Centre RUSSIA in the Primorye Territory, Vitaly Stanislavchuk.

He also focused on increasing the number of regional and interregional events and expanding cooperation with foreign delegations. The meeting also covered work with children and school students, cooperation with children's camps and educational organisations, the development of cultural and gastronomic projects, as well as creating additional opportunities for visitors and promoting the branch. According to him, another important task is to continue strengthening the team and building lasting interest in the venue among residents and visitors to the region.  

The meeting also emphasised that the branch's work is not limited to expositions and events. The National Centre RUSSIA in Primorye supports regional initiatives, including gastronomic festivals and educational and cultural projects. Over the course of the year, it hosted workshops dedicated to Far Eastern cuisine, local history lectures and classes at the Young Tour Guide School. In the new academic year, the Young Journalists School will begin operating. Russian citizens aged 12 to 17 inclusive are invited to take part, and applications can be submitted via the link until 10 October.

In addition, to be closer to every visitor, the National Centre RUSSIA branch operates the multimedia platform "Living in Primorye", which has already enabled tens of thousands of people to create their own unique creative products. Anyone can still use it to create original content dedicated to the discoveries, achievements and accomplishments of our country. 

The branch is also developing partnership projects with organisations in the region. These include "What to Read with the Primorye Stage of the Mariinsky Theatre" meetings, quizzes with the School of Creative Industries and events held jointly with the Admiral Hockey Club.

Federal events organised by the National Centre RUSSIA form a separate area of activity. On 4 September 2026, the Primorye branch will host its second Open Dialogue with the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office of Russia, Maxim Oreshkin. The branch previously hosted the Open Lecture Hall "Inventing the Future: Ecotourism" for the first time, while the III All-Russian Wedding Festival "Uniting Hearts" was held there in July.

The National Centre RUSSIA in the Primorye Territory continues to develop as a space that brings together residents of the region, experts, and representatives of business, culture and education. The experience of the first branch has laid the foundation for the further development of National Centre RUSSIA branches across the country's regions.