Musician, hockey player, footballer: how children see the lion — the symbol of the National Centre RUSSIA

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Young visitors to the National Centre RUSSIA are invited to draw the symbol of the venue — the lion. The exposition of children’s drawings is located in Pavilion No. 7, on the first floor of the Gastronomic Rows, where the playroom is situated. Anyone wishing to take part can approach the venue’s animators to receive a special branded sheet from the National Centre RUSSIA, as well as coloured pencils.

Visitors depict the lion — the symbol of the National Centre RUSSIA — in a wide variety of settings, just as they see this kind protector. According to playroom staff member Oksana Morozova, each child creates their own unique and individual lion.

"Even though we set a common task, all the drawings are very different. Each child brings a part of their own life into it. For example, there are lions playing football, some are dressed up, some look thoughtful. One of our young visitors is a hockey enthusiast, so he drew the Centre’s symbol with a hockey stick, out on the ice," shared Oksana Morozova.

Tatiana Ilyushina, administrator of the children’s room, reminded that the playroom has been open since March 1.

"Since then, we’ve been inviting children visiting the Centre to draw a lion based on a sample. The walls used to be empty — now we’ve selected the best works and put them up. It’s become much cosier," said Tatiana Ilyushina.

The drawings are created by children visiting the National Centre RUSSIA during excursions to the expositions "Journey Across Russia," "The Birth of Scale," as well as during events, workshops and visits to the Gastronomic Rows together with their parents or family members.

For example, 11-year-old Maria is studying music and drew a lion holding a flute in its paws.

"I attend music school. I’m learning to play this instrument, so the character in my drawing is also reading sheet music and playing a melody," she shared.

The lion greets visitors to the National Centre RUSSIA on posters, logos and in the exposition halls. Its image is deeply woven into the visual identity of the space and carries a rich cultural and spiritual history. The symbol has ancient roots, representing strength, dignity and a deep connection to national culture. In Russian tradition, the lion is a guardian of meaning, a sign of power, wisdom and spiritual revival.

You can read more about the logo of the National Centre RUSSIA here.

The children’s room of the National Centre RUSSIA welcomes young guests from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 20:00, with a technical break from 16:00 to 17:00.