The National Centre RUSSIA branch opens in the Ryazan Region
The first National Centre RUSSIA branch in the Central Federal District and the fourth in the country opened its doors to visitors in the Ryazan Region on 5 October 2026. The opening ceremony featured a concert programme as well as business, cultural and educational events, attracting more than 9,800 visitors.
President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin congratulated the Ryazan Region on the opening of the new National Centre RUSSIA branch. He expressed confidence that the space will become an educational hub and a popular destination for residents and visitors to the region, as well as a venue for business and creative meetings.
"It is encouraging to see this ambitious and meaningful project to establish branches of the National Centre RUSSIA continuing to develop. Today, such an exposition space is opening in the Ryazan Region. I congratulate everyone taking part in the ceremony and all residents of the region on this important and festive occasion. You take pride in the rich history of your native land, its unique architectural and artistic monuments, and traditions of creative endeavour passed down from generation to generation. The Ryazan land has produced a brilliant succession of outstanding scientists, soldiers and military commanders, poets and musicians, as well as public and community figures who have brought glory to our country," Vladimir Putin said. His address was read out by Maxim Oreshkin, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office of the Russian Federation.
The President noted that the National Centre RUSSIA branch in the Ryazan Region showcases the region's contemporary achievements across a wide range of fields. Initiatives in industry, agriculture, education, healthcare, culture, environmental protection and tourism are being successfully implemented, while particular attention is being paid to preserving the distinctive traditional crafts and folklore of the ancient Ryazan land and to patriotic education for young people.
Natalia Virtuozova, Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA, also congratulated the people of the Ryazan Region on the opening of the branch: "I would like to thank our President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, who decided to establish branches of the National Centre RUSSIA in cities across the country. I would also like to thank Maxim Stanislavovich Oreshkin and, of course, Governor Pavel Viktorovich Malkov. Together with his team, he has put his heart into making this day possible. We have a tradition when opening our branches: we present a statuette featuring the letter "O", which is given a unique design for each region. Pavel Viktorovich, I am handing you the "O" for Ryazan, featuring the griffin-phoenix depicted on the coat of arms of Ryazan as one of its supporters. It symbolises a guarantee that Ryazan will always be strong and prosperous. Happy celebrations! Congratulations on the opening of the branch!"
Each regional National Centre RUSSIA space has its own distinctive symbol, which becomes part of the letter "O" in the word "Russia" (in Russian) and reflects the character of the region. In Vladivostok, it is the Amur tiger; in the Krasnoyarsk Territory, two graylings; and in Ugra, a loon. In the Ryazan Region, the letter "O" incorporates a griffin-phoenix — an image inspired by one of the supporters on the coat of arms of Ryazan. The griffin symbolises a guardian of the borders, while the phoenix represents rebirth and eternity, reflecting the military valour, historical legacy and strong character of the Ryazan land.
"Today is a landmark occasion for us. Thanks to the President's decision, we now have this wonderful place where the history, culture and traditions of the Ryazan land come together. It brings together all the region's achievements — past, present and future. Ryazan now has an excellent venue for business forums, presentations, expositions and major cultural events. It is a place for schoolchildren and students, professionals from a wide range of fields, and all active and committed people. Everyone who visits it will see the region in a new light and discover new facets of the character of the Ryazan Region. And that character is shaped by its people — hardworking, talented and committed. They are the people of Ryazan who have come together to build, improve and make our region better, more beautiful and more successful. We have much to be proud of, and much to show," Pavel Malkov said.
He noted that a large team had worked on creating the branch and thanked everyone who had helped bring the project to life. The Governor expressed particular gratitude to the National Centre RUSSIA team for its support and assistance at every stage. He stressed that the space will continue to develop and take on new content and meaning.
The opening ceremony featured a flag procession from the Ryazan VDNH (Exposition Centre) to the main stage. It involved students from creative educational institutions, a military band, staff of the National Centre RUSSIA branch in the Ryazan Region, as well as representatives of the regional branches of the Movement of the First and Rosmolodyozh.
One of the central moments of the ceremony was the handing over of the Victory Banner from a participant in the Great Patriotic War to a representative of the generation that is defending the Motherland today. Accompanied by the band of the V. F. Margelov Ryazan Guards Higher Airborne Command School, the State Flag of the Russian Federation, the flag of the Ryazan Region and the Victory Banner were brought onto the stage. Joining the colour party was Gennady Sokolov, Chairman of the Council of the Ryazan Regional Public Organisation "Residents of Besieged Leningrad" and a child of the Great Patriotic War. He handed the Victory Banner to a current participant in the special military operation.
The celebrations also featured performances by well-known Russian artists and local groups, including the NANSI & SIDOROV duo, beatboxer and musician Vakhtang, singer Tatyana Kurtukova and many others. Guests also took part in the "Khorovod" round dance flash mob. A mapping show for residents and visitors to the city was projected onto the building's facade, telling the story of key chapters in Russia's history and exploring the Ryazan Region's contribution to the country's development.
The opening was accompanied by an extensive business programme focused on education, mentorship and human achievement. Special attention was paid to Teacher's Day. During an open dialogue, participants discussed the key challenges facing education today, the secrets of raising future champions and the role of educators in developing the country's human-resource sovereignty. The educational lecture "The Character of Victory: From Personal Achievement to the Future of the Country" was also held at the branch. The discussion was moderated by Vladimir Antmanis, Minister of Physical Culture and Sport of the Ryazan Region, who was joined by three-time Olympic champion Maria Kiseleva, Olympic taekwondo champion Maxim Khramtsov and six-time world canoeing champion Zakhar Petrov. They discussed how talent, character and hard work can lead to major achievements and become part of the country's shared history. The lecture was attended by 500 young athletes who are yet to embark on their own journeys towards major victories.
During the opening ceremony, Governor Pavel Malkov presented teachers with the "For Outstanding Achievement" commemorative badge, letters of appreciation from the Governor and the "For Diligence" badge. Natalia Suvorova, Deputy Chairman of the regional government, presented teachers with awards from the Russian Ministry of Education: the honorary title "Honorary Worker of Education of the Russian Federation", the "For Dedication to the Profession" and "Youth and Professionalism" badges, and certificates of merit. Olga Prushkovskaya, Minister of Education of the Ryazan Region, presented awards for many years of dedicated service, while Nikolai Makarikov, Deputy Chairman of the Ryazan Regional Duma, conveyed congratulations on behalf of the region's legislators.
Throughout the day, organised groups took guided tours of the "Soul of Ryazan — Heart of Russia" exposition. Visitors learned about the history and cultural legacy of the Ryazan Region, its natural wealth, and its achievements in science, sport and industry.
The National Centre RUSSIA branch in the Ryazan Region occupies around 9,500 square metres across a two-storey space showcasing the region's history, culture, traditions and contemporary achievements. It includes exposition and display areas, venues for educational, cultural and business events, as well as the Department Store featuring Russian brands.
Sber, the project's general partner, has opened a dedicated 200-square-metre space at the branch. It includes a working area, lecture hall, event space and demonstration stands, introducing residents and visitors to the region to digital services and financial technologies.
A recording of the official opening ceremony of the National Centre RUSSIA branch in the Ryazan Region is available [here]. Free tours of the "Soul of Ryazan — Heart of Russia" exposition can be booked on the official website of the National Centre RUSSIA branch.
Event photobank
On 5 October, the official opening ceremony of the National Centre RUSSIA branch in Ryazan took place.
The National Centre RUSSIA in Ryazan became one of the largest regional spaces of the National Centre in the country.
We invite residents and visitors to the city to attend the official opening of the National Centre RUSSIA in the Ryazan Region.
