The National Centre RUSSIA branch officially opened in the heart of Siberia
On 15 December 2025, the official opening of the National Centre RUSSIA branch took place in Krasnoyarsk. The venue was established by order of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin.
Participants of the grand opening of the National Centre RUSSIA branch in Krasnoyarsk were addressed by Vladimir Putin, President of Russia.
"The opening of the International RUSSIA EXPO, and subsequently, of the National Centre RUSSIA, became a bright event in public, cultural, and business life. Millions of people were able to see with their own eyes the inspiring achievements of our contemporaries, domestic companies, scientific centres, as well as all regions of our vast country, and to acquaint themselves with the diversity of unique traditions and cultures we are rightfully proud of. It is gratifying that this large-scale project is now receiving a vivid continuation, and the creation of the National Centre RUSSIA branches has begun across a huge expanse from the Pacific Ocean to the Baltic. Now one of the first such exposition complexes is opening in Krasnoyarsk. Your Siberian land is famous for its rich history, significant contribution to strengthening Russian statehood, and to the development of the domestic economy, industry, and the fuel and energy complex. And, of course, special attention in the exposition is given to current accomplishments, the implementation of substantive programmes in science and education, culture and tourism, healthcare and sport," Sergei Kiriyenko, First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office, read out the welcoming address from the President of Russia.
The Head of State also expressed confidence that the National Centre RUSSIA branch will become a focal point for business and friendly communication among residents and guests of the Krasnoyarsk region.
Sergei Kiriyenko congratulated the residents of Krasnoyarsk on the opening of the National Centre RUSSIA branch, as well.
"There is the National Centre RUSSIA, created on the President's instruction in Moscow. But every Russian region has something to be proud of, has its own great achievements both in history and in culture, and in the present day. At the same time, the main reason for pride is always people. There are amazing people, dedicated to their profession, their native land, their city, their region, devoted to Russia, whose deeds and accomplishments the entire country should know about. The task of the National Centre RUSSIA branches in every region is to convey these reasons for pride to the younger generation, to the locals, to guests of the region. Of course, there are many regions in Russia, but our country is one. Therefore, the main overarching task of all the National Centre RUSSIA branches is to promote our common values, our common reasons for pride, and to strengthen the all-national unity of the peoples of Russia," he said.
Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Siberian Federal District, Anatoly Seryshev, addressed the participants of the opening with a welcoming speech.
"The main task of the National Centre RUSSIA is to promote Russian traditional spiritual and moral values, to demonstrate the achievements of the country and its citizens. It is no coincidence that one of the first branches is opening in the Krasnoyarsk region, the largest region in Siberia, which possesses unique nature, the abundant resources, as well as economic, scientific, educational, cultural, and tourism potential. Life here is vibrant and full, and people are rightly proud of their successes in all areas. This impressive venue presents bright pages in the history of the development of the northern territories and preserves the identity of the indigenous peoples living here, the feats of arms of the Krasnoyarsk residents, and significant world achievements," the welcoming address from Anatoly Seryshev was read by his deputy, Sergei Gryzykhin.
According to Anatoly Seryshev, all this will contribute to the promotion of Russian spiritual and moral values, especially among youth, foster a sense of patriotism and civic consciousness, strengthen the unity of the peoples of Russia, and ensure the preservation of historical memory and continuity. The National Centre RUSSIA provides an opportunity to see the best of what the Krasnoyarsk region lives by and is proud of, and to glimpse the region's future, he added.
"The main objectives that the President set for the National Centre are, first and foremost, developing a sense of pride in new generations, increasing civic consciousness, and realising one's belonging to such a large and wonderful country as Russia. The RUSSIA EXPO and the National Centre largely contributed to these goals, and the Centre’s branches will continue this work. The first branch was opened in the Far East, and today in the very heart of Siberia, a large-scale venue begins its work, presenting the values we strive to pass on to youth. Most importantly, the National Centre RUSSIA helps children choose their future and profession. As our President said, every adult and every child is talented, and the state's task is to help them reveal their abilities. I am confident that the National Centre will be able to fully fulfil this mission," said Alexei Zharich, Deputy Head of the Presidential Directorate for Social Projects.
The Governor of the Krasnoyarsk region, Mikhail Kotyukov, also offered his congratulations on the opening of the National Centre RUSSIA branch. He noted that it was a great responsibility for the Krasnoyarsk region to become one of the five regions where new spaces are to be opened.
"We believe that for all the diversity of natural resources and the riches of the region, the most important thing is, of course, people. The Centre is designed for the whole family. Everyone will find interesting activities: children, parents, and grandparents. You can come together, see the history of our region, see the history of both the development of Siberia and its progress. It is here that what the Krasnoyarsk region is proud of today is presented, and here are our the most daring plans, our boldest ideas. It is for the young people who are the first guests of our Centre today, for them to see this future, see pride in the historical victories of their grandfathers and great-grandfathers. And it is here that we will together create the future of our native Krasnoyarsk region and multiply the might of our great, dear Russia," stated Mikhail Kotyukov.
The Governor noted that it is here that ideas will be born, which subsequent generations of Siberians will follow, and the whole country will take pride in the labour achievements and deeds of heroes. Mikhail Kotyukov awarded Natalya Virtuozova the Krasnoyarsk region's badge of distinction "For Active Civic Engagement" for her many-year fruitful and socially significant activity.
"Today is a historic day because in such a beautiful, brave Krasnoyarsk region, near the mighty Yenisei, by order of the President, a space of the National Centre RUSSIA is opening. In this new venue, we see a continuation of the ideas that the residents of Krasnoyarsk demonstrated at the International RUSSIA EXPO; the Krasnoyarsk region's exposition was the most visited then. We believe that our branch in Krasnoyarsk will become a space of pride, love, dreams, and the future. And our future will undoubtedly only be constructive, bright, vibrant, and very happy," said the Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA.
Natalya Virtuozova thanked the Governor of the Krasnoyarsk region, Mikhail Kotyukov, and his team, for the initiative to create the National Centre branch among the first. During the ceremony, she also presented Mikhail Kotyukov with a statuette – the letter "O" – which is the symbol and calling card of the National Centre RUSSIA. Regions where the Centre branch opens receive such a symbol. The first such branch opened in September in the Far East – the Amur tiger, whose image adorns the letter "O", became its symbol. In the Krasnoyarsk region, this symbol is shaped by two grayling fish, which embody the mighty Yenisei River.
Furthermore, a dance flash mob to the composition "A Beautiful Far Away" took place at the official opening of the National Centre RUSSIA branch in Krasnoyarsk. Guests and volunteers of the event danced together with artists from the Dance Theatre "Orlyonok" (Eaglet) named after Vera Gudovskaya. The joint dance became a symbol of unity, openness, and moving forward – values that lie at the foundation of the National Centre RUSSIA's work. The flash mob continued a tradition that began at the RUSSIA EXPO in Moscow.
The aims of the National Centre RUSSIA are to demonstrate the country's most important achievements, strengthen national identity, foster a sense of national pride among citizens, and develop professional skills in children and youth. The opening of the National Centre RUSSIA in the Krasnoyarsk region will continue this concept. It includes a large-scale permanent exposition titled "The Energy of People – the Energy of the Krasnoyarsk Region" spanning over 5,000 m². It features more than 20 thematic zones on the history, culture, industry, natural resources, tourism, and social achievements of the region, along with galleries of its largest companies. The multifunctional and conference halls are ready to host cultural events at federal and regional levels. The Department Store RUSSIA will present goods from local producers, as well as products from across the country, from Kaliningrad to Vladivostok. The Gastronomic Rows will offer visitors dishes from different parts of Russia.
The opening programme of the National Centre RUSSIA branch presented the broad opportunities and a big scale of the new cultural and business space.
The opening of the branch was also attended by foreign guests. They explored the permanent exposition "The Energy of People – The Energy of the Krasnoyarsk Region". During the tour, at the stands they were met by representatives of enterprises, labour dynasties, and figures of art and culture, who presented the region's achievements.
The first regional hackathon of the "First Neurocontent Cup" was held during the opening of the branch. It included educational lectures by the All-Russian society Znaniye; theatre and film actor Maxim Lagashkin participated in the lecture programme.
The National Centre RUSSIA branch in Krasnoyarsk has become the successor to the venue in Primorye and has passed the baton to the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area – Yugra; the opening of the National Centre RUSSIA branch there will take place on 16 December 2025.
Event photobank
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On the day of its official opening, the National Centre RUSSIA branch in Krasnoyarsk was visited by representatives of the diplomatic corps.
Maxim Lagashkin, theatre, cinema, and television actor, producer, and lecturer for the Russian society Znanie, delivered a lecture for the residents of Krasnoyarsk.
For the branch’s first visitors, its opening became an opportunity to see their native region in a new light.
