One of the most ambitious public projects in recent years is getting underway in the Moscow City business district. Construction has begun on the “Russia” National Center—a new federal-level multifunctional space—on the site of the former Expocentre on Krasnopresnenskaya Embankment.
Vladimir Putin launched the project, emphasizing its strategic importance for both Moscow and the entire country.
A new hub in the business heart of the capital
The future complex will create a new focal point within Moscow City, strengthening it not only as a business hub but also as a cultural and community cluster.
This is a space that will combine several functions at once:
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large-scale exhibition spaces
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concert and convention infrastructure
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media and press centers
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business networking and socializing areas
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food courts and public spaces
The project is designed for year-round activity and will be able to accommodate up to 20,000 visitors at a time, making it one of the city’s largest public facilities.
Architecture: technology, scale, and visual lightness
A key feature of the National Center will be its unique engineering concept.
The main architectural highlight is the self-supporting roof with an area of approximately 60,000 m², one of the most complex structures of its kind in Russia.
Complementing the design is
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a multimedia façade capable of transforming the building’s exterior
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open architecture with an emphasis on light, air, and transparency
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interiors featuring Russian cultural and visual motifs
The project shapes a modern image of “public architecture”—technologically advanced, yet emotionally rich.
Park and integration into the urban environment
Special attention is paid to the surrounding space. A landscaped park with green alleys and artificial water features will be created around the center, serving as an extension of the Moscow City urban environment.
Thus, this is not just about a building, but about creating a fully-fledged urban area for:
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recreation
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walking
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events
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informal socializing
From Concept to Reality
The decision to create the center was made in 2024 following the success of the “Russia” exhibition-forum at VDNH, which demonstrated significant interest in such formats.
The project is now entering the construction phase, and its opening is scheduled for 2029.
Significance for Moscow City
The emergence of the “Russia” National Center accelerates the transformation of Moscow City:
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from a business district → into a full-fledged urban cluster
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from an office location → into a space for living, events, and culture
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from a business hub → into a symbolic center of modern Moscow
In essence, this involves creating a new “showcase for the country”—architectural, cultural, and technological.
Related materials:
The “Russia” National Center in Moscow City: Project, History, and Significance
The “Russia” National Center: A New Architectural Symbol of the Capital
The New “Russia” National Center in Moscow City to Replace Expocentre (Renders)
New National Center for Heritage Preservation of the "Russia" Exhibition in Moscow City
