The National Centre RUSSIA invites visitors to discover the world of theatre

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From 28 July to 25 September 2026, the National Centre RUSSIA will host the "Legacy. Theatre. The Greats" exposition under the motto "A Union of Happy People", marking the 150th anniversary of the Union of Theatre Workers of the Russian Federation. The project is supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation and the Presidential Foundation for Cultural Initiatives.

The exposition features 17 themed sections and is designed as a journey through the theatre. Visitors enter through the "stage door" and step into the world of theatrical professions — a large interactive space where they can try on a variety of backstage roles.

The outer perimeter of the exposition is dedicated to ten production workshops, home to the theatre's unseen heroes — the skilled craftspeople who create the visual and auditory world of every performance. Each section is complemented by interactive exhibits.

1. Scenic construction workshop. This is where scenic artists, designers and stage technicians create stage structures that are not only visually striking but also safe. Highlights include the mobile Elephant and White Horse created by Maria Rybasova, People's Artist of the Russian Federation.

2. Soft scenery workshop. Specialists here produce stage elements made from soft materials without rigid frames, including wings, backdrops and top masking borders. Artists paint, decorate and hand-finish fabrics used for theatrical scenery.

3. Props workshop. A skilled theatrical prop maker is a true master of many crafts, combining expertise in modelling, sculpture, carving, physics, chemistry and even cookery. Visitors will see not only the tools of the trade but also an elaborately laid banquet table where every single dish is, in fact, a prop.

4. Wig-making and make-up workshop. Like any artist, a theatre make-up specialist must understand painting, sculpture and drawing, as well as a wide range of make-up techniques. Wig makers, who create wigs, moustaches, eyebrows, beards and hairpieces, combine artistic talent with highly specialised craftsmanship.

5. Sound workshop. Engineers, technicians and sound designers are responsible for all spoken and musical sound, as well as creating a wide range of special audio effects.

6. Stage machinery workshop. Specialists here oversee the assembly, installation and operation of stage machinery, ensuring seamless scene changes and the safe functioning of overhead and under-stage mechanisms.

7. Properties workshop. This department houses everything actors use on stage, from large pieces of furniture to the smallest hand props, carefully maintaining and preparing every item for performance.

8. Costume and footwear workshop. This is where hundreds of costumes are created and preserved, with specialists responsible for ensuring their historical accuracy and stylistic authenticity. Costume designers produce sketches, select fabrics and develop characters' visual identities alongside directors, while wardrobe staff ensure every costume and pair of shoes remains performance-ready.

9. Lighting workshop. Lighting designers create the production's lighting score, selecting filters, adjusting beam angles and programming stage lighting. During performances, lighting technicians respond instantly to every movement on stage.

10. Puppet workshop. Puppet designers combine drawing, engineering, tailoring, human and animal anatomy and robotics. They design each puppet's internal structure, movement, control systems and mechanisms, selecting the materials that bring every creation to life.

The central part of the exposition presents the 150-year history of the Union of Theatre Workers of Russia. Through multimedia displays, archival materials and installations, visitors will discover milestones ranging from the founding of the Mutual Aid Society of Russian Artists and the patronage of the Imperial Court to the Union's present-day activities.

One section explores the work of front-line theatres and theatrical brigades that performed for Soviet troops during the Great Patriotic War. Among the celebrated artists who took part were Igor Ilyinsky, Arkady Raikin, Sergei Obraztsov and many others.

Another section highlights some of the most famous family unions in the history of Russian theatre, from Konstantin Stanislavsky and Maria Lilina, Olga Knipper and Anton Chekhov, and Alexander Tairov and Alisa Koonen, through to leading theatre families of the present day. A bibliographic section showcases rare publications, including handwritten editions from the collection of the Central Scientific Library of the Union of Theatre Workers of the Russian Federation.

Before concluding their backstage journey, visitors will explore a display of around 300 theatre posters. Among its highlights is the sole surviving poster designed by Nikolai Akimov for the 1931 production of "Fear" by Alexander Afinogenov.

The exposition route at the National Centre RUSSIA culminates where every theatrical story ultimately leads — on stage. In keeping with theatrical tradition, the stage visitors emerge before an auditorium.

The exposition's audio guide was directed by Anton Okoneshnikov, with a script by playwright Anna Lifirenko. The voices of theatre professionals from the various workshops are performed by 13 actors, including People's Artists of Russia Sergei Parshin, Anna Aleksakhina, Antonina Vvedenskaya, Natalia Kutasova, Era Ziganshina and Sergei Migitsko.

Throughout the exposition, visitors will also have an opportunity to enjoy an extensive cultural and educational programme featuring meetings with actors and directors, masterclasses, and author-led guided tours.