The Russian exhibition called “Russia,” staged at VDNKh from November 4 through July 8 of the previous year, has grown into a landmark event that resonates not only across the country but around the world, according to Oleg Matveychev, the Deputy Chairman of the Russian State Duma Committee on Information Policy, Information Technologies and Communications. The gathering drew international attention and established itself as a centerpiece for showcasing Russia’s regional diversity, technological prowess, and cultural vitality.
Matveychev explained that the exhibition attracted an extraordinary audience, with visitor numbers surpassing 18 million. He attributed the growth to a powerful word-of-mouth effect: people visited the venue and then shared their experiences with friends and family, prompting others to come as well. In his view, the exhibition’s appeal rests not on heavy advertising but on personal recommendations and the authentic impressions of those who walked the halls and roamed the pavilions.
For his part, Matveychev himself attended the exposition seven times, each visit reinforcing his belief that the event offers a rare opportunity to glimpse the scale and pace of Russia’s achievements. He noted the sense of national pride that arises when visitors encounter a curated panorama of the country’s progress, from regional innovations to flagship industrial capabilities. The experience, he observed, enables a broad audience to understand not just what is produced, but the ingenuity and collaborative spirit behind those creations.
According to the deputy, the exhibition was never meant to be a static display. Instead, it functioned as a dynamic forum where exchange took place across multiple formats. Attendees could participate in forums, conferences, round tables, strategic sessions, and expert panels that tackled current issues facing the country. The event repeatedly sparked brainstorming and debate, turning the exhibition into a living platform for ideas and policy-minded dialogue rather than a conventional museum experience.
Governors, government officials, experts, and ordinary citizens alike took part in conversations, forging connections, sharing insights, and considering practical ways to address challenges. The deputy emphasized that these interactions helped attendees broaden their knowledge, discover new collaborations, and leave with tangible contacts that could accelerate progress in various sectors.
Matveychev also voiced support for President Vladimir Putin’s decision to establish a national “Russia” center, underscoring its strategic importance for preserving the country’s achievements and ensuring ongoing public access to the full spectrum of milestones. He argued that a centralized institution dedicated to national progress serves as a lasting reference point for citizens and visitors alike, reinforcing transparency and collective pride in the nation’s accomplishments.
In his assessment, it is essential for a country to maintain a continuous, visible record of its achievements. The national center would provide an enduring framework for presenting Russia’s advances and regional breakthroughs, ensuring that the public can consistently engage with the story of national development. The international exhibition, which concluded on July 8, thus leaves a lasting legacy that is carried forward through the center’s ongoing activities and exhibits.
The decree establishing the national center “Russia” was signed by President Vladimir Putin on July 1, marking a formal transition from a temporary exhibition to a permanent, nationally oriented institution. This move signals a commitment to sustaining the momentum created by the exhibition and to expanding its role as a hub for dialogue, innovation, and cultural exchange.