The project "Exploring Russia" opens a series of educational meetings at the exposition "Geography Lessons"

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The original cultural and educational project "Exploring Russia" started on 5 April at the National Centre RUSSIA. The series of meetings is linked to the exposition "Geography Lessons" and aims to present our country as a territory filled with high-tech solutions, historical mysteries, and natural treasures. The programme includes a lecture component and practical masterclasses, bringing together fundamental science with the format of "learning through entertainment".

The first expert in the "Exploring Russia" series was Alexander Lyskin — a member of the Russian Geographical Society and the Russian Union of Journalists, a photographer with the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), a lecturer at the Moscow Institute of Photography IPLF, and a member of the Royal Photographic Society of Great Britain. The lecture took place in the "Geography Classroom" hall — a space styled as a mid-twentieth-century schoolroom with Erisman desks from the 1960s–1970s, wall maps, globes, and textbooks that recreate the atmosphere of school years.

The researcher presented his original photographs to visitors of the exposition "Geography Lessons" and shared the stories behind their creation. Each image reflects the way of life, traditions, and culture of different peoples of Russia, as well as natural landscapes — from the edge of permafrost to the mountains of the Caucasus.

"Without knowledge of geography, it is impossible to understand what is happening in life. Without it, we remain closed within ourselves, completely unaware. Evolution and progress move very quickly. For example, at the exposition 'Geography Lessons' there is a master of ceremonies’ phaeton, and next to it — a modern high-speed train. Geography helps us understand these processes," said Alexander Lyskin.

Visitors saw the beauty of Russia through the eyes of a man who has studied it through a camera lens for decades. The expert spoke about the everyday life of the Chukchi and the Eskimos, the culture of the Yakuts, Evens, and Evenks. He also discussed bone carving and marine hunting, revealing the features of life at the edge of the world and the harsh beauty of the Pole of Cold through the stories of ordinary people and works of art.

The photographic series conveyed the atmosphere of the Khabarovsk Territory, Western Siberia and the Urals, the Komi Republic, Pomorye, and the Caucasus. Nenets, Nanai, Mansi, Khanty, Komi-Zyryans — their lives and culture became part of this visual chronicle. It includes centuries-old fishing traditions, unique ornaments and costumes, life in a chum, vast pastures, and wooden architecture. The photographer created this body of work over many years and presented it at the National Centre RUSSIA.

At the end of the meeting, Alexander Lyskin answered questions from the audience. One of them concerned the main pursuit in life: what should be the decisive factor in choosing a profession.

"First and foremost, it is interest in what you do. In the past, the process of photography was more mysterious than it is today with the development of digital technologies: you could never predict exactly what the result would be. Photography had a strong effect on the mind — the brain was constantly working. I started doing this at the age of 12. Today, young people begin to engage in photography consciously even earlier, and that gives me great pleasure," he concluded.

"Geography Lessons" is a project of the National Centre RUSSIA. It is a journey through the centuries: from ancient scrolls to digital maps, from the first geographical discoveries to space exploration. The exposition brings together unique cartographic treasures from the country’s leading collections, including the Russian State Library, the Russian Geographical Society, and major universities and research centres. The exposition aims to promote geographical knowledge, foster patriotism, and spark interest in the country’s multinational and cultural diversity. Designed for a family audience and schoolchildren aged 9–16, the exposition will run until 9 July. Admission to the exposition is free, prior registration on the website russia.ru is required for guided tours.

The original cultural and educational project "Exploring Russia" can also be attended free of charge. The schedule of events is published in the "Events" section. Stay tuned for updates.