Top five lesser-known spots loved by visitors to the National Centre RUSSIA

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With 37,000 square metres of floor space, large-scale exposition projects, a modern concert hall seating 1,600 people, comfortable areas for business meetings, distinctive regional cuisine at the Gastronomic Rows and a Department Store offering products from regional brands, the National Centre RUSSIA impresses from the very first visit. Yet while vivid emotions from expositions and events are entirely to be expected, the atmosphere that keeps people coming back is sometimes created by rather surprising locations beyond the official guided-tour routes. We have compiled the top five lesser-known favourite spots chosen by guests who have visited our welcoming venue more than once. 

1. Multimedia screens at the riverside entrance

Here, guests are welcomed by actors from the Sovremennik Theatre reciting children’s poetry. They may seem like ordinary screens at the entrance, but for many visitors they provide the first memorable impression. 

"When we first came here with our children, they literally froze in front of these screens. The poems performed by famous actors sound so warm and intimate that they lift your spirits before you even step inside," said Natalia, a visitor and mother of two.

The multimedia design of the entrance serves as a visual introduction to "The Great and Mighty Russian Language" space at the National Centre RUSSIA. It features the "Living Alphabet" exposition, a joint project of the National Centre RUSSIA and the Sovremennik Theatre created as part of the "Russian Language" programme. The project is based on the 1914 "Living Alphabet", published by the St Petersburg publishing house Shipovnik. The collection was created by poet Sasha Chyorny and artist Vadim Falileyev. The poems are performed by actors from the Sovremennik Theatre, while the classic illustrations are enhanced with computer animation, bringing the alphabet to life exactly as its creators intended.

2. The "observation point" near the entrance to the "Journey Across Russia" exposition

The comfortable seating in the Gastronomic Rows near the entrance to the National Centre RUSSIA’s main exposition offers more than just a place to relax while waiting for a guided tour. It is also a convenient vantage point from which to watch other guests come and go.  

"One of my favourite things to do is get a coffee at the Gastronomic Rows and sit at a table near the entrance to the exposition. Sometimes I even bring my laptop and do a little work. You know, there is something wonderful about looking at the faces of people who are just about to set off on their ‘Journey Across Russia’. Their eyes are filled with such anticipation, joy and expectation of something magical. It gives you just as much energy as the coffee — and the coffee here is absolutely wonderful," said Olga Khromova, who regularly attends events at the National Centre RUSSIA.

3. The Movement of the First’s Class Radio studio

The National Centre RUSSIA is home to the educational and cultural venue "Youth and Children in the Space of Opportunities", with the Class Radio studio at its heart. The studio is part of the Movement of the First’s integrated professional television and radio complex and has its own editing suite, camera control room, server room, dressing room for guests appearing on the "News of the First" programme and even a conference hall. 

The studio is open to everyone, and many guests discover it by chance while simply exploring the National Centre RUSSIA. They often find themselves behind a microphone for the first time in their lives: trying their hand at presenting, recording podcasts and taking part in talk shows — experiences they will never forget.

4. The passageway between Pavilions No. 3 and No. 7

This is where the "Walk of Fame" gallery exposition is located. Created by the Russian society Znanie in partnership with the Ministry of Sport of the Russian Federation, the project is dedicated to renowned Russian athletes and their achievements on the global stage. When the exposition opened, it already featured 254 medals across 36 disciplines from 38 stars of Russian sport. Each display case presents an inspiring example to follow — a story of victory, perseverance and devotion to the Motherland. 

"To be honest, I was just walking from one pavilion to another when I suddenly came across this incredibly powerful exposition. You look at these medals and realise that they belong to our Russian athletes, who achieved everything through hard work and sheer willpower. So, thank you to this passageway," concluded Moscow student Yevgeny Korolyov.

5. The Heart Zone at the "Journey Across Russia" exposition

Completing the top five is one of the most touching places at the National Centre RUSSIA: the Heart Zone. This interactive installation is part of the "Journey Across Russia" exposition. Every visitor can leave a digital mark here, share their impressions or simply make a wish by sending a glowing heart bearing their name and region on a journey. To date, guests of the National Centre RUSSIA have already sent more than 205,000 heartfelt messages into the country’s shared digital space. 

"It is incredibly beautiful and deeply moving. My daughter and I have visited the exposition several times, and the final zone is always just as impressive as the expositions themselves. Since we had already sent our personalised ‘hearts’ into the shared space, today we decided to bend the rules a little and enter the name of our beloved grandmother, who lives in another region and has not yet visited the exposition. We believe that after this little ritual, she will be even quicker to come and visit us, and we will return here again — this time all together," said Irina Samokhina from Reutov in the Moscow Region.

Everyone who takes their time exploring the National Centre RUSSIA is sure to discover a personal "place of power" that makes the venue truly feel like home. And who knows — perhaps you will be the one to add the next spot to this list.