Sea breeze, AR zones and a tech park: what awaits visitors to the National Centre RUSSIA branch in Vladivostok

By the end of May 2025, part of the construction work at the future Vladivostok branch of the National Centre RUSSIA has already been completed. Soon, unique expositions will appear in the main halls and the branch will become a magnet for residents and tourists alike, noted Oleg Kozhemyako, Governor of the Primorye Region. The branch project was unveiled by the regional head in December 2024.

"We'll showcase what we rightfully take pride in, what's dear to every Primorye resident, what we'd like to share with the whole country and the world. And we certainly have plenty to show," emphasised Oleg Kozhemyako.

The building is being completely transformed to create the new exposition complex. The centre will be renewed both inside and out. The four-thousand-square-metre space will simultaneously accommodate around 700 people.

"The building will get a new lease of life to attract visitors and win their approval. It will become absolutely modern and safe. To date, we've carried out extensive work: from demolition through to installing air conditioning and fire suppression systems. The rough finishing of walls has been completely finished, we're working on ceiling polishing, as well as creating and implementing the exposition themselves," explained Olga Gurevich, Head of the Primorye Region Tourist Information Centre.

On the ground floor, guests will be greeted by a life-size holographic screen featuring Vladimir Arsenyev. The Far East explorer will tell visitors about the territory's history, Primorye's ancient peoples, Russian pioneers, and the construction of the Trans-Siberian Railway and Vladivostok Fortress. There will also be a unique "Feel Primorye Region" zone. Augmented reality expositions with huge screens, sound, light and aromas will allow guests to experience different locations across the region. Visitors will be able to fly over the territory, feel the sea breeze, and enjoy the beauty of the bays and islands.

"The first floor will tell the story of our present and future. Industry, ports and logistics will be featured here. Visitors will learn about the region's key projects across various sectors. Virtual assistants, audio guides and interactive screens will help people better understand and remember the information. For instance, guests will be able to 'manage' the territory's energy system," shared Olga Gurevich.

The branch foyer will house an installation that will be updated every six months, a permanent exposition of the Primorye region achievements, two lecture halls, a gastronomic zone with library and co-working space, a tech park with modern equipment, a military-patriotic zone, and a department store selling local products and souvenirs.

"We've had lots of questions about the department store. No, this isn't a large retail chain selling groceries. This is a place connected to the achievements we have here in the Primorye region. Folk arts and crafts, the finest souvenir products, Primorye honey, dietary supplements, chocolate from local confectioners. The department store is about what we're proud of and what we can offer. It's a sort of local-scale VDNKh. Its total area will be just 80 square metres," noted Vitaly Stanislavchuk, Deputy Director of the Primorye Region Tourist Information Centre.

Another object at the Primorye branch of the National Centre RUSSIA will be an aquarium housing creatures from the Sea of Japan.

"Its capacity is over 30 tonnes. Previously, sturgeon and other aquatic life lived here; they're currently being looked after at a farm where they're receiving proper care. They'll return home by September. Then guests will be able to see a sturgeon that's over 20 years old. It was the first resident of the city oceanarium in 1990," explained Boris Kirichevsky, Deputy Director of Lazo Municipal Institution.

Construction work on the National Centre RUSSIA in Primorye began in February 2025 and will be completed by September 1.