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.