Maxim Oreshkin, Natalia Virtuozova and Pavel Malkov visit the National Centre RUSSIA branch in Ryazan

On 5 October, before the official opening of the new branch, Maxim Oreshkin, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office of the Russian Federation, Natalia Virtuozova, Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA, and Pavel Malkov, Governor of the Ryazan Region, toured the space and its exposition. The guests of honour were shown the main exposition, "Soul of Ryazan — Heart of Russia", by Ivan Moiseyev, a guide at the National Centre RUSSIA in the Ryazan Region, and Darya Ukhanova, one of the youngest participants in the Young Tour Guides School of Russia project.

The tour took visitors through several thematic spaces. In the "Roots of the Ryazan Land" hall, they explored the region's natural legacy and local folklore. The "Landscape of Inspiration" section focused on poets, writers and musicians who drew inspiration from the Ryazan land, while the "Heavenly Pattern" zone introduced the region's distinctive traditional crafts. The "Sky of Opportunities" hall showcased the region's major social, cultural and technological projects. In the "Flight of Time" zone, visitors embarked on a virtual hot-air balloon journey through the centuries and across the Ryazan land. The "Height of Spirit" and "Winged Infantry" halls told inspiring stories of the heroism of paratroopers from the Ryazan land, as well as heroes of the special military operation. They also highlighted a tradition of service that has been a lifelong calling for many generations of paratroopers.

The National Centre RUSSIA in Ryazan became one of the largest regional spaces of the National Centre in the country. It occupies a spacious 9,500-square-metre building on the grounds of the city's restored historical VDNH (the Exposition Centre) complex.

"This is our first branch to be built entirely from scratch and the fourth regional space of the National Centre in our country. Its scale and carefully designed concept fit seamlessly into the restored VDNH, which has already become a popular destination for residents and visitors to Ryazan. The National Centre branch will add to this unique setting through the rich content and ideas at its heart. It is a place of strength and unity, and a space offering new opportunities for children and young people," Natalia Virtuozova, Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA, said.

Branches of the National Centre RUSSIA are being established across Russia on the instructions of President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin. They are designed to showcase the achievements of the country and its people, encourage open dialogue and inspire new accomplishments across all areas of life, while also supporting the comprehensive development of children and young people.

"Thanks to the President's decision, we now have a place where the history, culture and traditions of the Ryazan land come together. It brings together the region's past and present achievements — everything we are proud of and hold dear. Ryazan now has a wonderful venue for business forums, presentations, expositions and major cultural events. It is a place for schoolchildren and students, professionals from a wide range of fields, and all active and committed people who want to make a difference to their fellow citizens, their region and their country. Everyone who visits will see the region in a new light and discover new facets of the character of the Ryazan Region," Pavel Malkov said.

In the "Winged Infantry" hall, Svyatoslav Golubyatnikov, Hero of the Russian Federation, Chairman of the Council of Veterans of the 137th Guards Airborne Regiment and Guards Colonel, spoke about a family tradition of service to the Motherland.

"My wife Galina and I are here together. We are veterans of the 137th Regiment, which will mark its 78th anniversary on 8 October. Over the years, the regiment has accomplished many heroic deeds and carried out numerous combat missions. It has taken part in all major military conflicts and has been carrying out missions as part of the special military operation since its very first day. Many of our comrades — soldiers and officers — have received state awards, and the regiment has eight Heroes of Russia. We are a family in which everyone serves the Motherland. Galina and I began our service in Afghanistan. Four of our daughters are married to airborne officers. Two of them are military personnel, serve in the regiment and have already taken part in combat operations. We all serve our Motherland, and we raise our children in the same spirit. Our task today is to preserve the regiment's history and traditions," Svyatoslav Golubyatnikov said.

The National Centre RUSSIA branch in the Ryazan Region is officially opening today with a concert programme featuring renowned performers of traditional and popular songs performing on the same stage. Watch the live broadcast on the National Centre RUSSIA website and social media channels.