The National Centre RUSSIA in faces: Marianna Sizova

Off-site excursions, the "School of Young Tour Guides," the "Inventing the Future" exposition, and the legacy of the International RUSSIA EXPO — these are just a few of the many projects in which the leading tour guide of the National Centre RUSSIA, Marianna Sizova, takes part. She started her career in this profession spontaneously. Today, Marianna’s son and grandson have also joined the field of tour guiding.

"I have always been interested in the history of not only cities but also people. Our family started traveling across Russia ten years ago. I enjoyed telling new acquaintances and friends about Moscow. Every time, they would ask me, ‘Are you a tour guide?’ And I started thinking about it. I have seen the Soviet Union, the 1990s, and the 2000s," says Marianna Sizova.

The leading tour guide of the National Centre RUSSIA began with small tour groups for visitors to Moscow. In November 2023, Marianna Sizova was invited to become a tour guide for the International RUSSIA EXPO at VDNH.

"I couldn’t even believe I would be there — it’s such a high level. I worked until the very end of the Exposition. I kept telling everyone I knew, ‘You can’t imagine what it’s like to do a job you truly love!’ When this fairy tale came to an end, we were all inspired and felt genuine excitement," shares the tour guide.

After receiving an award at the RUSSIA EXPO in the category of "Best Children's Group Tour Guide," Marianna Sizova has been participating in projects of the National Centre RUSSIA since September 2024, including off-site excursions to rehabilitation and educational centres in Moscow.

"It’s a miracle. Not all children were able to see our 'Inventing the Future' exposition. It’s about how important it is to dream and read. About how people’s dreams influenced the history of space exploration. Right now, it’s especially important to keep this spark alive in children, in the younger generation, to nurture it. To show them how vast our country is and what opportunities it offers for every person," emphasizes Marianna Sizova.

According to the lead tour guide, children are highly enthusiastic about off-site excursions. Their eyes light up, they learn a lot during the sessions, and many eagerly share their impressions with the guides. Those who are passionate about tour guiding have a unique opportunity to try themselves in the role of a guide.

"Back at the International RUSSIA EXPO, I participated in tours together with my foster son and grandson, both of whom are 13 years old. They thoroughly enjoyed exploring materials about Russia. They especially loved the tours led by children themselves. Guided tours by young guides filled the little listeners with genuine excitement. And after visiting the 'Inventing the Future' exposition at the National Centre RUSSIA, my son asked for a book he had learned about there — 'Spontaneous Reflex' by the Strugatsky brothers — as a New Year's gift," shares the tour guide.

Young guides are trained at the "School of Young Tour Guides." Children learn about different types of excursions, formats for conducting them, and tour guide behavior models. The lessons take place both online and offline.

"The 'School of Young Tour Guides' project allows children to immerse themselves in our world of excursions. They see how passionate we are about our work — both children and adults alike. The program helps them develop communication and socialization skills and, most importantly, fosters a sense of patriotism," says the tour guide.

Marianna Sizova is confident that the projects of the National Centre RUSSIA support and contribute to the development of the country's tourism industry.