The new building of the “Russia” National Center, located next to Moscow City, is still scheduled to open on November 4, 2029. Natalya Virtuozova, the center’s CEO, confirmed this date in an interview with TASS on September 24, 2026. She also described the self-supporting “canopy” roof and stated that the future complex will cover an area of 220,000 m². Construction is already underway on the site of the former “Expocentre.”
According to the concept developed by the ATRIUM architectural firm, the roof will cover a public square featuring an amphitheater. The facade and roof are intended to serve as multimedia surfaces: their displays can be changed to reflect the center’s events. Virtuozova has called the amphitheater the largest in the world. This is a statement by the project manager: there is currently no independent comparison with other amphitheaters or verified data to confirm the record.
Exhibition spaces, media and press centers, and dining areas are planned next to the amphitheater. The 3,500-seat capacity refers to a separate, transformable concert hall, not the amphitheater itself. The building’s design and main functions have been known for some time: this website described the architectural concept of the National Center back in June 2025.
What Will Be Under the “Canopy”
From Foundation to Opening
Construction of the new building began on March 26, 2026. In August, concrete pouring for the foundation slab began on site. The excavation is being carried out above existing subway tunnels—we’ve covered how construction takes place above subway lines in a separate article.
- March 26, 2026: Start of construction
- August 8, 2026: Start of foundation slab pouring
- End of 2028: Estimated completion of construction work
- November 4, 2029: Planned opening of the new building
The completion of construction and the opening to the public are different stages. Both future dates remain tentative.
Why Do Sources Give Different Area Figures?
In an interview, Virtuozova cited 220,000 m². The profile published by ATRIUM lists 215,000 m² of space, while the project profile on the portal cites an earlier estimate of 205,000 m². The sources do not explain whether they calculate the area in the same way. Therefore, the discrepancy cannot be taken as proof of a project expansion. What matters more to visitors is this: the indoor event space and the new complex will be located right next to the Moscow City towers, but their final specifications will be confirmed as construction progresses.
