Young gymnasts from Yugra explore the National Centre RUSSIA in Moscow
Young gymnasts from Yugra had the opportunity to see the sports "Walk of Fame", travel across the country through unique cartographic treasures and explore a unique perfumery portrait of different cities and regions at the National Centre RUSSIA. The participants in rhythmic gymnastics contests visited the "Geography Lessons" exposition and also shared their impressions of the branch of the National Centre RUSSIA in Yugra.
The "Geography Lessons" exposition introduces guests to the history of the country’s exploration, outstanding travellers and researchers, Russia’s natural wealth and its cultural diversity. The girls were particularly drawn to the Map Gallery, which presents unique cartographic materials from different eras.
"The first hall probably made the strongest impression. It was interesting to see how people used to imagine our country," gymnast Yekaterina Pokrasenko noted.
She also added that before her trip to the capital, she had already had time to explore the expositions at the branch of the National Centre RUSSIA in Yugra: "I really liked it. There are so many different interactive features that help you learn something new. I was especially impressed by the room where you have to guess different scents: berries, flowers and plants. Our region is famous for its natural wealth, and it is always interesting to discover something new for yourself."
Gymnast Sofia Plotnikova had also previously visited the branch of the National Centre RUSSIA in Yugra. According to her, both spaces help visitors take a fresh look at their native country and region. In Yugra, the athlete remembered the stories about the indigenous peoples of the North, their traditions and way of life. At the National Centre RUSSIA in Moscow, her attention at the "Geography Lessons" exposition was drawn to unusual facts from the history of cartography.
"It’s a very interesting hall. There were so many exhibits, and the guide told us so many interesting things. It was especially surprising to learn that a map was created from minerals and precious stones found in Russia," the athlete said after the tour, where the children were told about the "Industrialisation of Socialism" map.
Polina Yefimchuk admitted that she was especially pleased to discover the country’s perfume map, created by students of the Diana Gurtskaya Centre for Social Integration jointly with the National Centre RUSSIA. It was also pleasant to walk along the "Walk of Fame" of Russian athletes. In addition, at the "Geography Lessons" exposition, the athletes had the chance to make their cherished dream come true.
"In the hall dedicated to discoveries and expeditions, there is an ancient stone that grants wishes if you touch it. Our whole team did just that and made our wish," Kristina Kintzle noted.
According to the girls, the emergence of the National Centre RUSSIA in Moscow and the opening of branches across the country help people learn more about their homeland, its history and cultural legacy.
"It is important to create projects like this so that children and young people can learn more about their native country, the place where we all live and will continue to live," Sofia Plotnikova concluded.
The National Centre RUSSIA opened in Khanty-Mansiysk on 16 December 2025 and became one of the first five regional branches of the space in the country. It was established by order of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, as part of a federal initiative to develop regional cultural centres. It is a modern cultural and exposition complex where the exposition creates a holistic view of Yugra’s nature, history, people, culture and development prospects.
