From a classroom globe to digital maps: the National Centre RUSSIA opens "Geography Lessons"

In April, the National Centre RUSSIA will open the exposition "Geography Lessons". Visitors will see unique cartographic treasures from the country’s leading collections, including the Russian State Library, the Russian Geographical Society, the archives of the Ministry of Defence, as well as major universities and museums. Historical geographical, nautical, astronomical, and political maps, globes, and instruments will be displayed alongside modern digital examples. Visitors will be able to trace how perceptions of Russia’s space have evolved — from the earliest drawings to satellite imagery.

The curator of the exposition, Semyon Mikhailovsky, says that the project aims to demonstrate the country’s vast resources and the scale of its development: "Maps depicting boundless land crossed by rivers, with seas and lakes, elevations and plains, and red borders outlining a vast territory have always been symbols of the greatness and power of the state. The memorable image of an immense country captured on a map continues to impress to this day."

The eight halls of the exposition transform geography into a vivid and emotional experience. The entrance gallery of historical maps allows visitors to "flip through" Russia across the centuries. In the hall dedicated to discoveries, the romance of expeditions and the spirit of pioneers come to life. The exposition tells the story of the country’s wealth — its routes, rivers, natural resources, biodiversity, decisive battles, and much more.

For families with children, the exposition offers an opportunity to share a "living lesson" — without desks or grades, but with animated stories, multimedia narratives, and interactive tasks. In each hall dedicated to land, water, and sky, visitors will find short video stories about discoveries, expeditions, and the exploration of territories. Schoolchildren can try themselves in the role of explorers, learn to read a map as a document of its time, and grasp the scale of the country not only intellectually but emotionally.

"Geography Lessons" is a project of the National Centre RUSSIA aimed at promoting geographical knowledge, fostering patriotism, and encouraging interest in the country’s multinational and cultural diversity.