Exhibition of Moscow’s Achievements Opens at Gostiny Dvor

The annual festival “Territory of the Future. Moscow 2030” has begun in Moscow, dedicated to the capital’s development, modernization plans, and contemporary urban life. During the first weekend after the opening, one of the flagship venues at Gostiny Dvor was visited to explore how the city’s future is envisioned by the Moscow government and whether this vision aligns with residents’ expectations.

The exhibition organizers aimed to showcase the scale of changes taking place in the city

The theme of the exhibition at Gostiny Dvor is “Endless Development with Eternal Values.” The first “eternal value” visitors encountered was a half-hour queue at the entrance. On Saturday evening, the line stretched from the corner of Ilyinka Street to the main entrance.

Upon entering, visitors realized they had come in from the wrong side—the main entrance, where the exhibition chronologically begins, is on the opposite side of Varvarka Street, through beautiful arches bearing the slogan “Moscow—City of the Future.” This entrance was so unusual for Muscovites that there were no queues there on Saturday. Yet, even from the “wrong” side, another Moscow “value” was immediately noticeable. “Oh, the scale!” exclaimed one woman upon seeing the towering human figures several stories high installed at the center of the exhibition. Equally gigantic hands seemed to part the exhibition’s curtains, making passersby uneasy as their heads barely matched the size of a pinky fingernail on these hands.

Those who entered from the “correct” side (from Varvarka Street) were greeted by staff with guidebooks explaining each zone of the exhibition. Unsure if anyone would actually read them, they invited everyone to join guided tours.

The tour guide introduced the exhibition by paraphrasing the words of Moscow’s deputy mayor, who said the organizers “wanted to create a space where everyone could take a break from daily hustle, even if just briefly.”

This introduction took place in front of a massive installation called “Windows of Opportunity.” The composition featured a wall with illuminated windows, each symbolizing an opportunity available to Muscovites. Mannequins—gray figures representing people striving for these opportunities—climbed ropes toward the windows. Notably, windows labeled “Moscow longevity,” “new skills,” and “launching a successful career” were easier to reach than those near the ceiling, such as “new healthcare standards,” “education,” and “digital services.”

In the technology zone, among flashing statistics about hospitals and schools renovated in recent years, models of buildings still under construction were displayed. For example, visitors could see the future appearance of the renovated Sklifosovsky Research Institute and new colleges being built. Representatives on-site promoted enrollment, highlighting high employment rates and partnerships with industry leaders. However, younger visitors were more intrigued by other things. A first-grade boy bombarded a college student with questions about operating subway cars and “building cars.” The student, though friendly, later admitted he had actually studied tourism.

The “health” zone was the most crowded.

One display discussed proper nutrition. An overweight man’s heart was depicted as soda cans, while a fit athlete’s heart was hidden behind rib-like steaks. Nearby hung “Moscow’s Health Rules,” which, according to the exhibition’s logic, residents should follow—such as “think positively,” “maintain social connections,” “get enough sleep,” and “avoid stress.” One visitor photographed the rules and joked, “Good thing they don’t fine you for breaking these. They’ve been replacing asphalt outside my window all summer—I haven’t slept well in ages.” Others laughed in agreement.

The main attraction in the health zone was the “Human Body” museum, with a queue stretching across the entire second floor. “It was incredibly popular last year, and now it’s just as busy,” said a staff member managing the crowd. “We’ve upgraded it. Before, our ‘human’ was completely healthy. Now, half the organs show common diseases.” The 15-minute wait led visitors through a journey starting at the mouth and ending at the rectum, making it a hit with teenagers. “Look, smoker’s lungs, smoker’s tonsils!” they giggled.

Few made it to the “knowledge” zone after the museum.

Here, visitors could answer 21 quiz questions, such as “

Gostiny Dvor

Gostiny Dvor is a historic shopping complex in St. Petersburg, Russia, dating back to the 18th century. Designed by architect Jean-Baptiste Vallin de la Mothe and later expanded, it served as the city’s main marketplace and trading center. Today, it remains a prominent retail and cultural landmark, blending imperial architecture with modern commerce.

Ilyinka Street

Ilyinka Street is one of the oldest and most historic streets in Moscow, Russia, dating back to the 14th century. Located in the Kitay-Gorod district, it has long been a center of commerce and finance, housing landmarks like the Gostiny Dvor merchant arcade and the Moscow Stock Exchange. Today, it remains a bustling business area, blending historic architecture with modern offices and banks.

Varvarka Street

Varvarka Street is one of the oldest and most historic streets in Moscow, Russia, located near the Kremlin in the Kitay-Gorod district. It is home to several significant landmarks, including the 16th-century St. Barbara Church, from which the street gets its name, and the Romanov Boyar Residence, linked to Russia’s first tsar from the Romanov dynasty. The street has preserved its medieval charm and serves as a cultural and architectural treasure, reflecting Moscow’s rich history.

Windows of Opportunity

“Windows of Opportunity” is an inspiring public art installation in Seattle, Washington, created by artist John Fleming. It features a series of colorful, mosaic-adorned window frames symbolizing hope, diversity, and the potential for new beginnings. The artwork, installed in 1996, reflects the city’s commitment to creativity and community engagement in urban spaces.

Sklifosovsky Research Institute

The Sklifosovsky Research Institute, officially known as the N.V. Sklifosovsky Institute of Emergency Care, is a renowned medical institution in Moscow, Russia, specializing in emergency medicine and trauma care. Established in 1923, it was named after the famous Russian surgeon Nikolai Sklifosovsky and operates within a historic 18th-century building originally belonging to the Sheremetev family. The institute is a leading center for critical care, research, and medical training in Russia.

Human Body museum

The Human Body Museum (often called *Corpus Museum* in the Netherlands) is an interactive educational museum that explores human anatomy and biology through life-sized models, exhibits, and immersive experiences. Opened in 2008, it allows visitors to “journey” through the human body, learning about organs, systems, and health in an engaging way. The museum combines science, technology, and entertainment to promote understanding of the human body’s functions and care.

Moscow longevity

“Moscow Longevity” is a social program launched in 2018 by the Moscow government to improve the quality of life for senior citizens by promoting active aging. The initiative offers free educational, fitness, and cultural activities, such as dance classes, language courses, and excursions, to help older adults stay healthy and socially engaged. Inspired by global aging-population strategies, it reflects Moscow’s commitment to supporting its elderly residents while fostering intergenerational connections.

new healthcare standards

“New Healthcare Standards” refers to modernized guidelines and protocols designed to improve patient care, safety, and efficiency in healthcare systems. These standards often incorporate advancements in technology, evidence-based practices, and patient-centered approaches, evolving in response to global health challenges like pandemics or disparities in care. Their history reflects ongoing efforts to enhance accessibility, equity, and quality in healthcare worldwide.