Russia observes its National Flag Day on 22 August. This weekend, Russia's No. 1 Exhibition invites everyone to join it in the celebration of Russian Flag Day, and attend free themed tours around VDNH grounds and museums, learn new skills at DIY workshops and take part in exciting quest adventures at City Farm.
On 22 August, the Cosmonautics and Aviation Centre will be offering the tour Space Outposts. Mir Station and Others at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Those in attendance stand to learn about the history of Soviet and Russian long-term orbiters and see their life-size replicas. The centre's tour guide will explain why the Almaz station and Mir orbital research complex were built, and how the current International Space Station operates. Participants have to be 12 or older to attend the tour, and prior registration is required.
On the same day, the Slovo Centre for Slavic Writing will be offering the themed tour From Ancient Rus to a New Russia. The tour sheds light on the official insignia of Russia's defensive and offensive war campaigns in different ages as Russia consolidated its statehood, explains when the white, blue and red flag was first raised and who legitimately gets credit for creating the Russian tricolour. All events mentioned during the tour are attested by historical evidence in manuscript or print form, some of which is on display at the Centre. The age limit is 9+. The tour starts at 6 p.m., click through on this link to sign up.
The Doll Museum invites visitors to attend its Russian military history tours on Saturday and Sunday. In the past, it was customary for state rulers to be intrepid warriors in order to inspire and lead their troops. The lands were under a constant threat of enemy incursion. What did the Russian galapago siege vehicles, Roman field camps and the wagons of American colonists have in common? How well did carrots and turnips work as projectiles? How is modern paintball similar to Peter the Great's mock battles? Why were Russian soldiers claimed to be the best bayonet fighters in Europe? Learn all about this and more when you attend the free tours around the Russian History—The Science of Winning exhibition at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Free admission for museum ticket holders. To sign up in advance, call +7(985)420-81-55.
Thematic tours of VDNH grounds will also be offered on 22 August. The tours will highlight the emblems and flags that can be seen on the numerous friezes, gables and façades of VDNH pavilions. Tours start at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. at the Information Centre in the left wing of the Main Entrance Arch. Participants have to be 12 or older to attend the tour, and prior registration is required.
City Farm will host Russian Flag Day celebrations all weekend. On 21 and 22 August, young visitors and their parents will be welcome to attend the DIY workshops I Love Russia and My Homeland's Flag, where they will learn to make tricolour pins and other cute patriotic themed pieces of jewellery. The workshops will be available from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., starting every 30 minutes. There are also fun quests, tours and flash mobs in store for the visitors. Tickets are available on the VDNH website.
On the occasion of Flag Day, Russian flags will be raised in front of the VDNH Main Entrance and along Central Alley on 22 August. The entrances of VDNH museums will, likewise, be decorated with the Russian tricolour flag.
The anti-coronavirus safety precautions continue to apply at VDNH. Visitors are expected to wear face masks inside the pavilions and observe social distancing everywhere on the grounds.