"I need to see this with my own eyes": why the "Journey Across Russia" exposition will make you want to pack your bags

The "Journey Across Russia" exposition does more than introduce visitors to the country's regions — it becomes a map for future adventures. This is no mere figure of speech: visitors regularly leave with travel plans already taking shape for their next family holiday. Here's why the permanent exposition at the National Centre RUSSIA inspires people to start packing their bags.

The exposition is divided into eight zones representing Russia's federal districts, each recreating the unique atmosphere of its region through interactive exhibits, immersive projections, soundscapes, signature scents, and displays of local culture, traditional crafts and everyday life. Visitors can "travel" through the Far East, breathe in the scent of Dagestan's relict forests, step inside a traditional Siberian izba (log house), or take a memorable photograph in a mountain park of Karelia. Interactive displays, carefully curated fragrances and 3D projection hologrammes make the experience remarkably lifelike. Listening to the Mistress of the Copper Mountain tell her story, you find yourself wanting to visit the Urals in person. Standing beside the model of the Crimean Bridge, with the sound of seagulls overhead, you suddenly remember how long it has been since your last trip to the sea. Every exhibit seems to ask the same question: "So, when shall we see you?" It is little wonder that even visitors who had never considered travelling around Russia leave the exposition with a newfound desire to experience these places for themselves.

Photo: Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA

Yelena from Moscow, full of delight, shared her impressions: "It felt as though I had travelled across different regions of our country without leaving the capital. But, of course, it also made me want to see so many of these places in real life. For instance, I was especially impressed by the section devoted to Kamchatka and other natural landscapes, and, naturally, by Lake Baikal. Our guide told us it is incredibly beautiful in winter. I've already booked tickets for December and can't wait to capture some wonderful pre-New Year photographs and make unforgettable memories."

Photo: Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA

Comments like these are far from unusual. Visitors often say that after seeing the exposition they begin to look at the map of Russia differently. Instead of simply recognising place names, they start imagining themselves there, planning itineraries and looking up local attractions.

Photo: Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA

Anastasia from Mozhaysk said: "I was especially inspired by the stories of Russia's small towns and their cultural legacy, as well as the presentation of the Golden Ring. It made me want to set off on that journey during my very next holiday — to see those magnificent cathedrals with my own eyes and hear the sound of ripening grain in the fields. I even felt a little embarrassed that, despite living in Central Russia, I have so far visited only one of the cities along the route — Yaroslavl."

Photo: Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA

The "Journey Across Russia" exposition does not tell visitors where to go — it inspires them to discover the country for themselves. People arrive intending to "have a look around" and leave with one clear thought: "I need to see this with my own eyes."

Photo: Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA

The exposition is open every day except Monday. Admission is free, as it is for all events at the National Centre RUSSIA. Register on the russia.ru website to join a guided tour, or visit the information desk at the West Entrance of the National Centre RUSSIA. Who knows? Perhaps the National Centre RUSSIA is where your next holiday will begin.