Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA Natalia Virtuozova briefed Vladimir Putin on regional branches
The President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, on 26 March launched the construction of a new building for the National Centre RUSSIA in Moscow. Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA Natalia Virtuozova briefed the head of state on the future venue in the capital, as well as on the existing and upcoming regional branches. In 2026, new spaces in the Ryazan region and the Hero City of Sevastopol will welcome their first visitors. They will become centres of cultural and public life, enabling residents and visitors to explore the regions’ achievements and potential.
"Following your instruction, branches are being created in our regions. This year, two more will open: on 12 June we will open a branch in Ryazan, and on 1 September — in Sevastopol. Recently, eight concepts for new spaces in the constituent entities have also been approved. Many thanks to the regional teams — active work is already under way," Natalia Virtuozova said, addressing the head of state.
The branch of the National Centre RUSSIA in the Ryazan region, which will open on the territory of VDNH and cover around six hectares, will feature the exposition "Past. Present. Future", a Department Store of regional brands, the "Regional Cuisine" area, and the gallery "Achievements of the Ryazan Region". In turn, Sevastopol will present a modern exposition dedicated to the Hero City and its role in the country’s history: 11 locations across three thematic zones, including an immersive cinema, a children’s interactive laboratory, and a model of the future Sevastopol. In addition to expositions, the venues will host business, educational, and cultural events.
Natalia Virtuozova also informed the President that in March the National Centre RUSSIA hosted project presentations for branches in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation. All of them were approved with defined implementation stages and timelines.
For example, the space in the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic will become the first branch in the Caucasus and will be located in the centre of Nalchik. Its concept is built around the image of Mount Elbrus as a key symbol representing success, strength, and the pursuit of new heights. A distinctive feature of the branch in Yakutia will be an immersive journey through the region using modern technologies, presenting its history, character, scale, and beauty through the accessible language of cinema. Meanwhile, the branch of the National Centre RUSSIA in the Yaroslavl region is set to feature contemporary immersive spaces, allowing visitors to explore the region’s culture and achievements in new ways. The future branch will be housed in the Millennium Concert and Entertainment Centre.
According to Natalia Virtuozova, the branch of the National Centre RUSSIA in the Khabarovsk region will be built on Bolshoy Ussuriysky Island. It will become a point of attraction not only for residents of the region and across the country, but also for visitors from China. The space in the Kirov region will be located in the centre of Kirov, near a world-class inter-university campus, a phygital centre, and complexes for martial arts and rhythmic gymnastics, and will highlight the significance of the Volga region in Russia’s historical development.
The westernmost branch will be the National Centre RUSSIA in the Kaliningrad region. Its concept has been developed as part of preparations for the region’s 80th anniversary, to be celebrated in 2026. According to the project, the building will form part of the public space "Forum" — a unique venue for acoustic concerts overlooking Kant Island, located in the historic centre of the regional capital.
Projects for branches in the Republic of Karelia and the Nizhny Novgorod region have also been approved. They will serve as new points of attraction for residents and visitors alike, helping to expand tourism potential.
These venues will host large-scale cultural, educational, and outreach events of importance to both the regions and the country.
Natalia Virtuozova also reminded that in 2025 the opening of the venue in the Primorye region was attended in person by President of Russia Vladimir Putin. In December, branches in the Krasnoyarsk region and the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area — Yugra welcomed their first visitors. Each of these spaces is shaping a comfortable environment and a new architectural identity, while showcasing what their regions take pride in: their people, achievements, and culture. Since opening, these venues have attracted more than 150,000 visitors.
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