The National Centre RUSSIA's "Geography Lessons" project presented in Chile for the first time
The National Centre RUSSIA's original exposition project
"Geography Lessons" is being displayed abroad for the first time. The
updated exposition opened on 16 October at the Russian House in Santiago,
Chile's capital, becoming one of the highlights of the cultural and educational
programme of the I Scientific and Technological Forum of Latin American
Countries and Russia, "Spatial Data for Sustainable Development",
which runs from 13 to 18 October.
"'Geography Lessons' is a major exposition project that was held at the National Centre RUSSIA. It was a tremendous success, attracting more than 65,000 visitors. We are delighted that the project's story has continued. The exposition has travelled beyond the Centre's walls and is now telling the story of Russia's geography abroad," said the Head of the Laboratory of Cultural and Educational Projects, Olesya Malevannaya.
The exposition "Geography Lesson: 'Russia on the World Map'" introduces residents of and visitors to Latin America to Russia's geography, history, ethnic, cultural and linguistic diversity, and other riches through the art of cartography. At its heart is a gallery of maps, including those drawn by Russian travellers as they explored the country and the world, alongside materials on the first Russian visit to Chile during Otto von Kotzebue's circumnavigation in the early 19th century. It also explores natural resources, historical ties between the countries and Russian explorers' contribution to global science.
"It is particularly symbolic for us that the 'Geography Lessons' exposition's first journey abroad begins here in Chile. More than two hundred years ago, Russian navigators were discovering these shores. Today, we invite Chileans to discover Russia through historical maps, the history of great voyages and modern technology. Geography shows how far apart we are, but projects like this help us feel how close we are," explained the Head of the Russian House in Chile, Nina Milovidova.
A separate section of the exposition explores the development of railways in Russia: visitors can take a virtual journey along the Great Siberian Route, the Trans-Siberian Railway.
A special feature of the exposition is a collection of Russian scents created by its partner, the Diana Gurtskaya Centre for Social Integration. Six fragrance compositions are dedicated to different regions and places, from Moscow and Kaliningrad to Crimea, Siberia, Saint Petersburg and Vladikavkaz, conveying their distinctive character through images evoked by scent.
The forum was organised by the Moscow State University of Geodesy and Cartography (MIIGAiK) and the University of Santiago de Chile, while the Rossotrudnichestvo Representative Office in Chile provided the exposition venue.
Leading Russian scientific, cultural and government institutions have joined the "Geography Lessons" exposition project. The Moscow State University of Geodesy and Cartography (MIIGAiK) served as its official partner. The Russian Geographical Society, the Central Naval Library, the Russian State Library, the Federal Archival Agency, Roskadastr and the Central Museum of Railway Transport of the Russian Federation contributed materials. Their involvement brought together historical maps, archival documents and rare publications, alongside materials on the exploration and development of the country and the development of the Trans-Siberian Railway.
The Rossotrudnichestvo Representative Office, the Russian House in Chile, continues the work of the Chilean-Soviet Institute of Culture, which opened in 1967 in central Santiago in a historic mansion formerly owned by the family of the renowned Chilean poet Vicente Huidobro. The Representative Office's mission is to introduce people abroad to Russian culture and history, strengthen international relations, teach Russian, provide opportunities to study in Russia and support compatriots living abroad.
The All-Russian Educational Tax Marathon will begin on 23 October at the National Centre RUSSIA in Moscow, launching Tax Culture and Literacy Month.
