From Dymkovo toys to Caucasian ceramics: traditional crafts at the "Journey Across Russia" exposition
Every year
on March 30, Russia celebrates Craftsman’s Day — a holiday dedicated to
handmade production and creativity. The National Centre RUSSIA invites visitors
to immerse themselves in the world of artistic crafts and trades at the
"Journey Across Russia" exposition. This exposition showcases the
finest examples of folk applied art, from Dymkovo toys to Dagestani carpets and
Ossetian ceramics, highlighting the history of numerous professions and
traditional crafts of the country's peoples.
The
exposition prominently features the distinctive brands of the Vladimir region,
including "Wood Painting," "Glassblowing Crafts," and
"Kuzminskaya Cotton Toy," among others. Special attention is given to
white-stone architecture, with the central element of the display being the
logo of the National Centre RUSSIA, depicting the lion from the facade of the
Dmitrievsky Cathedral in Vladimir.
The
Yaroslavl region presents tiles, wooden toys, embroidery, and many other
examples of folk artistic crafts. Visitors can explore the work of the
"Rostov Finift" factory, the Uglich Watch Factory, the majolica
workshop of Pavlova and Shepelev, and other enterprises.
The crafts
of the Volga region amaze with their diversity and uniqueness. Embroidery plays
a particularly significant role here — it is one of the key symbols of identity
for the Mari, Bashkirs, and other peoples living in this area. A special place
in the exposition is given to the famous exhibit from the Chuvash National
Museum — the Embroidered Map of Russia, the original of which was previously
showcased at the International RUSSIA EXPO.
Tour guides
at the National Centre RUSSIA introduce visitors to ancient craft traditions
passed down from generation to generation and share success stories of modern
artisans who create beauty with their own hands. Guests can learn about the
traditional crafts of the cities of the Golden Ring of Russia, find the famous
Ossetian silk scarves and bone carvings of the Chukchi people among the
exhibits, befriend the legendary Mistress of the Copper Mountain from Ural
miners’ folklore, create their own pattern on an interactive weaving loom, and
even paint a virtual Dymkovo toy, transforming it into a unique art piece.
"Our
goal is to show visitors of the exposition 'Journey Across Russia' that
traditional crafts are not just museum displays but a living history of Russia,
with each item telling a unique story about its region, its people, and the
cultural code of our country," noted Olga Dodonova, a tour guide at the
National Centre RUSSIA.
The
exposition "Journey Across Russia" brings together the history,
traditions, and modern achievements of all federal districts of Russia. Unique
objects and multimedia installations showcase the country's natural, cultural,
and historical diversity, as well as its major advancements in science and
technology.
Admission
to the exposition "Journey Across Russia" is free. Visitors can join
a guided tour by registering in advance on the website of the National Centre
RUSSIA at russia.ru. The exposition is open daily, except Mondays, from 10:00
to 20:00.
