The hero’s journey begins here: the "Book of Fairy Tales" exposition opened at the National Centre RUSSIA
The official opening of the journey-style exposition "Book of Fairy Tales" was held on 13 December at the National Centre RUSSIA. The exposition is dedicated to the legends, crafts and fairytale archetypes of Russian folk culture. Eight regions of the Russian Federation took part in the project, presenting their stories about land, people and traditions.
The Deputy Head of the Presidential Directorate for Social Projects, Alexei Zharich, noted that he was especially pleased to welcome young children to the opening of the "Book of Fairy Tales" exposition.
"The most important objectives of the National Centre RUSSIA are to strengthen national identity and foster civic consciousness among new generations. When children complete the exposition route from beginning to end, they will undoubtedly feel proud to be citizens of the Russian Federation. Our key value is the unity of the peoples of Russia. Our strength lies in diversity, multinational character and multiculturalism," Alexei Zharich emphasised.
Guests of the ceremony explored the key locations and regional stands of the "Book of Fairy Tales" exposition. The route included the following expositions: "Winter Fairy Tales", "Lukomorye", "Oak Grove", "The Mysterious Forest. The Firebird", "The Courtyard. A Fairytale Garden", "The Russian Izba" and "The Dense Forest", as well as stands from the Kaliningrad region, the Republic of Mordovia, the Vologda region, the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Area, the Republic of Karelia, Stavropol region, the Ryazan region and the Republic of Komi.
The "Book of Fairy Tales" reveals the hero’s journey through the ideas of the outstanding folklorist Vladimir Propp, the author of the classical work "Morphology of the Folktale". Propp viewed the fairy tale as a special form of thinking capable of bringing order to chaos and guiding the hero towards goodness and light, while reminding audiences of the power of miracles and inner transformation.
Throughout the entire route, guests were accompanied by participants of the Young Tour Guides School and children from the regions wearing traditional costumes, who spoke about the stands and locations. They explained the trials awaiting visitors, the fairytale characters they would encounter, and the wonders that would unfold during the journey through the world of Russian fairytales.
At the final point of the route, in the "Terem", a ceremonial lighting of the New Year tree took place. This has now become a tradition that will be held annually at the National Centre RUSSIA in the run-up to the main family holiday.
The Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA, Natalia Virtuozova, noted that the "Book of Fairy Tales" is not merely an exposition but a fairytale journey. "The route is structured so that visitors must pass through various trials. A fairy tale always follows a very strict narrative. It begins according to certain rules, and one must overcome challenges in order to grow and become a better version of oneself. Along this path there is always a choice between good and evil, loyalty and betrayal, idleness and diligence. It is this choice that allows us to grow and improve," Natalia Virtuozova said.
Natalia Virtuozova thanked the eight regions that took part in the exposition, noting that their contribution made the "Book of Fairy Tales" truly special.
"Each region has its own heroes, fairy tales, secrets and wonders. Thank you to the regions for sharing them with us. I congratulate everyone on the upcoming New Year. Let us believe that we will face the trials on our path with dignity and, as a result, change for the better. I am confident that only the best lies ahead and that all dreams will certainly come true," she added.
Natalia Virtuozova also announced that a branch of the National Centre RUSSIA in the Krasnoyarsk region will open its doors on 15 December, followed on 16 December by the opening of the branch of the National Centre RUSSIA in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area – Yugra.
"New Year is a truly fairytale holiday, and it is wonderful that it begins at the National Centre RUSSIA with the "Book of Fairy Tales" exposition. Eight regions are represented here, and each of them has made an effort to showcase its own identity and to demonstrate how closely regional histories are intertwined with our shared Russian identity. This exposition is a must-see for everyone. It is great that it opens today and will run until 1 March. This means that a large number of visitors will be able to experience it <…>. It is especially pleasing that the exposition begins with the stand of the Kaliningrad region – the westernmost corner of our country, a truly fairy-tale place. The Kaliningrad region is a place where everyone can find something of their own – from unique natural landmarks such as the Curonian Spit to a rich cultural legacy. Welcome to our stand, and we also invite you to visit the hospitable amber region, which will mark its 80th anniversary in 2026," said the Governor of the Kaliningrad region, Alexei Besprozvannykh.
Welcome addresses were also delivered by a member of the Federation Council Committee on Science, Education and Culture, Yevgeny Bogomazov; the Deputy Head of the Republic of Karelia – Head of the Administration of the Head of the Republic of Karelia, Tatyana Ignatyeva; the Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Republic of Komi, Sergei Yemelyanov; the Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Republic of Mordovia, Natalia Tarkayeva; the Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Ryazan Region, Natalia Suvorova; the Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Stavropol Region, Nikolai Afanasov; and the Deputy Governor of the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Area, Yevgeny Gurariy.
Partners of the "Book of Fairy Tales" exposition included the Savva restaurant and the Shalyapin bar, which prepared special menu items to coincide with the opening of the exposition: the signature dessert "Firebird" by Savva’s pastry chef, Artyom Grachev, and the winter cocktail "Morozko" by head bartender Sergei Petrov. Guests will be able to sample these gastronomic creations until 1 March 2026.
The "Book of Fairy Tales" exposition at the National Centre RUSSIA will run until 1 March. Admission is free. Registration is required via the "Events" section on the official website. Visits to the "Book of Fairy Tales" exposition are only possible as part of an organised group accompanied by a tour guide. Visitors may join without prior registration subject to availability. To do this, please approach the information desk near the Department Store on the second floor.
