The National Centre RUSSIA in faces: Yevgeny Artemenkov
The lead tour guide of the National Centre RUSSIA, Yevgeny Artemenkov, entered the profession at a mature age, making a radical career change and discovering the vast world of tour guiding. Yevgeny’s stories are not just dry facts — they are filled with emotion, making visitors fall in love with Russia from the very first words.
"I have always loved traveling, and my family is constantly on the move as well. I was fascinated by the work of tour guides — their ability to captivate, narrate, and inspire. At some point, I thought: why not give it a try myself? I trained as a guide, and it was my wife who suggested that I apply for a position at the International RUSSIA EXPO. Honestly, I wasn’t very confident, but I passed the selection process. I still remember my first working day—leading a tour at VDNH. The scale was overwhelming, I admired my colleagues' work, and I learned from them. After the exposition, I was invited to join the National Centre RUSSIA," says Yevgeny Artemenkov.
The most valuable aspect of Yevgeny’s work is seeing visitors' eyes light up with pride for their country.
"I see engaged, attentive faces and realize that I am doing something truly important. Many people don’t even suspect how rich and beautiful our country is. We, as tour guides, help them see it, spark their curiosity, and inspire them to travel across Russia. Working at the National Centre has been a true gift of fate for me. Here, we don’t just tell stories — we bring culture to the people," the guide shared.
Currently, the tour guides at the National Centre RUSSIA are actively preparing for the opening of new expositions: "The Birth of Scale" and "Journey Across Russia." They will introduce visitors to the achievements and natural beauty of all eight federal districts of the country, as well as share insights into the origins of architectural traditions and the rise of Russian architecture on the global stage.
"We have already visited the second floor, where "The Birth of Scale" exposition will be located, studied the future displays, and worked through the materials. Preparing for such large-scale projects is not easy. You need to absorb a vast amount of information, get a feel for the route, discuss it with colleagues, and choose the right narrative approach," notes Yevgeny Artemenkov.
He believes that the key to being a great tour guide is a love for people, for one's country, and for the stories being told.
"You must treat every visitor with warmth. It doesn’t matter who stands before you — a pensioner, a child, or an official. If you genuinely care about the people you are speaking to, the tour will always be a success. And you must truly love what you are talking about. Our country is so vast and diverse that there is always something to admire and discover," emphasizes the guide.
Currently, 50 tour guides work at the National Centre RUSSIA.
This year, 102 authors from 43 countries advanced to the in-person stage following interviews.
The large-scale three-day programme will bring together expert discussions, presentations by authors of the best essays from around the world, and informal networking with experts.
