Getting to know the two capitals
The cultural and educational initiative titled “Culture Map 4+85,” launched by the Russian Ministry of Culture and carried out by the Federal State Budgetary Institution ROSCONCERT, is scheduled to conclude on December 15. It functions as a counterpart to the “Pushkin Card” for schoolchildren from the DPR, LPR, Zaporozhye, and Kherson regions. The program offers opportunities to travel, explore memorable places, and learn about the rich historical, cultural, scientific, and technical heritage of the country.
Each week from August 2 onward, young people from new regions arrive in Moscow and Saint Petersburg.
The participants were grouped into three age brackets: 8–11, 12–14, and 15–17 years old, to ensure comfort and better interaction among peers.
“From early August through mid-December, more than 10,000 children from the Lugansk and Donetsk People’s Republics, as well as from Zaporozhye and Kherson, were moved to Moscow and Saint Petersburg. Many experienced these two major Russian cities for the first time and visited unforgettable places with great enthusiasm, while becoming acquainted with the country’s rich historical, cultural, scientific, and technical heritage,” stated Olga Lyubimova, Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation.
Rich program
In Moscow, the youngsters embarked on a grand city tour, stopping at Red Square and the Alexander Garden. They explored the Bolshoi Theatre, GUM, the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, and Sparrow Hills. To connect with Russia’s historical legacy, they visited the Central Museum of the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945, the Museum of the State Center for Contemporary History of Russia, and the International Exhibition and Forum “Russia” at VDNKh.
A visit to the State Museum of Fine Arts followed, along with stops at the Pushkin Estate and Izmailovo Kremlin, where the children encountered three museums at once—bread, toys, and animation.
The program included performances at Moscow theaters. Students enjoyed shows at the State Academic Central Puppet Theater named after SV Obraztsov, including “Pinocchio,” “Old Senor and…,” “Peter Pan and Wendy,” and “Playing Shakespeare.” They also saw “An Extraordinary Concert,” “Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves,” and “The Tale of Shakespeare.” Other highlights were “Tsar Saltan,” “The Snowman,” and “Baron Munchausen.” The Moscow State Academic Dance Theater staged “Gzhel” productions such as “Pippi Longstocking,” “Alice in Wonderland,” and “The Ural Tale. Lady of the Copper Mountain.” The eponymous Moscow State Academic Children’s Musical Theatre presented performances like “The Wizard of the Emerald City,” “Sherlock Holmes,” “Love Opera,” and “Pushkin Opera Best.” The Russian Academic Youth Theater (RAMT) offered “Bahçesaray Fountain.”
A separate educational and entertaining track invited the children to the Zoological Research Museum of Moscow State University. They also visited MV Lomonosov, the Great Moscow State Circus on Vernadsky Boulevard, and the Moscow Zoo.
The St. Petersburg program was equally rich. The historical segment featured the St. Petersburg State Historical Museum, the Russian State Political History Museum, and the Peter and Paul Fortress. The group explored state museum reserves at Tsarskoye Selo and Gatchina. The Petrovskaya Aquatoria Model Theater helped them understand the city’s layout more clearly.
The cultural itinerary included performances such as “Thumb,” “The Tale of the Dead Princess and the Seven Knights,” and “Black Hen” at the Puppet Theater of Fairy Tales, and “The Nutcracker” at the Mariinsky Theatre. Other notable productions included “Fathers and Sons,” “Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “The Boat with White Sail Was Sailing,” “Adolescence,” “Evenings with Peter the Great,” and “An Ordinary Miracle” in Saint Petersburg. The St. Petersburg Youth Theatre hosted a subsequent show. The Baltic House Theater Festival showcased Bryantseva’s “Simplicity is enough for every wise man.”
The children also attended the Great St. Petersburg State Circus, the Zoological Museum, and the Planetarium. They visited the Russian Railway Museum “October Railway,” a branch of Russian Railways, as part of their exploration.
Within the scope of Culture Map 4+85, trips for children, museum and theater visits, and the International Exhibition and Forum “Russia,” which opened on November 4 at VDNKh, were organized. The program allowed youngsters to experience Moscow and Saint Petersburg in depth, enjoy outstanding performances at the Obraztsov Theater, watch ballet at the Mariinsky Theatre and opera at the Sats Theater, and engage with advanced technologies at the “Russia” exhibition. The visits to Tsarskoe Selo and Kronstadt left lasting memories. By the final stage, two more cities joined the effort—Tula and Kaluga welcomed participants from the new regions, described Olga Lyubimova, head of the Russian Ministry of Culture.
All inclusive
The trips provided three meals a day, transport, accommodation in central hotels, and, when necessary, medical care. Chaperones accompanied all participants.
Next year, at least 10,000 children from the new regions are expected to take part in the program.
“The All-Russian cultural and educational routes for schoolchildren from the DPR, LPR, Zaporozhye, and Kherson regions, Culture Map 4+85, has become a significant and timely project that enables children from these regions to engage in the cultural life of our shared country,” emphasized Olga Lyubimova.
Travel reviews
Teachers and accompanying groups reported that the Culture Map 4+85 program captivated participants across Russia.
Children shared their impressions: “Moscow welcomed us warmly and sincerely.” They enjoyed Red Square and the theaters visited. “I’d love more trips like this to broaden my horizons,” one said. “Thank you for giving me a chance to feel part of our vast homeland, Russia.” “An unforgettable experience!” another added. “Thank you for fulfilling so many wishes.” The Central Museum of Contemporary History sparked a deeper interest, with one saying it helped them decide what they want to be.
Those who travelled to Saint Petersburg offered equally glowing feedback. “I really liked the city; it has a European vibe. We faced heavy snowfall in Palace Square, and the view was stunning, with countless photos taken.” “I love the city’s architecture; everything fits perfectly, even the storefronts.” They bought souvenirs for their moms and thanked everyone who contributed to organizing the trip. “Emotions were high, it was unforgettable.” “We learned a lot and saw the most beautiful places in our country. We will surely return to take it all in again.”