Exhibition “Russia does it itself”

Russia does it itself

“Russia Does Itself” is an interactive exhibition of the Polytechnic Museum, opened in pavilion No. 26 “Transport” at VDNKh during the reconstruction of the historical Polytechnic building.

The exhibition presents 7 scientific fields, the topics of which are of particular relevance for modern science: “Radio+”, “Plasma Energy”, “Core Energy”, “Illusions”, “Analogues of Nature”, “New Anthropogenesis” and “Life Beyond the Earth” " Using exhibits from the collection of the Polytechnic Museum as an example, each section reveals to visitors the history of the most important scientific discoveries and inventions made by domestic researchers. Having discovered each of the sections, visitors will be able to clearly and using real examples evaluate how much contribution Russian scientists have made to world science. The sections are not isolated from each other and, while maintaining chronological order, demonstrate the connection between different scientific fields and technologies. Everything is just like in life - after all, many important discoveries are made at the intersection of different scientific disciplines.

All exhibits are equipped with information signs; touch screens are installed next to the key ones, allowing you to see more detailed information.

The main feature of the exhibition is a truly high degree of interactivity, which takes RDS to a level higher than most other exhibitions of similar topics. The exhibits are not just collecting dust behind glass - many of them can be seen in action simply by activating them with a public button. The exhibition includes a large number of multimedia installations, and each section of the exhibition is equipped with its own virtual guide. Virtual guides are worthy of special praise: by communicating with the scientists, doctor, gopnik or astronaut depicted on the life-size screen using gestures, visitors can familiarize themselves with the exhibition in great detail, even to the point that the electronic character will tell them which way they should turn their head.

Sections and exhibits of the exhibition

The exhibition “Russia Does Itself” consists of 7 sections, each of which has its own exposition and multimedia installations included in it.

“Radio+” section introduces visitors to the use of electromagnetic waves in various areas of human life. Visitors are invited not only to get acquainted with the history of the research, but also to touch the magnetic field “by touch” using a special device that converts the strength of the magnetic field into tactile sensations. In addition, here you can see Popov’s lightning detector, the Zarnitsa radar station, a small collection of televisions and radios, models of antennas of various types and much more.

“Plasma Energy” will help visitors understand what plasma is, where it can be found in nature and how to use it for human benefit. The exhibits in the section will demonstrate plasma in various states, Petrov's electric arc and artificial lightning. Another interesting exhibit was a plasma loudspeaker that reproduces sound thanks to the oscillations of the discharge plasma: with just two buttons, visitors will be able to control the plasma, making the sound louder or quieter.

In the “Nuclear Energy” , visitors to the exhibition will be able to get acquainted with the history of the “taming” of nuclear energy and the use of related technologies for peaceful and military purposes. The central place in the exhibition is given to the RDS-1 atomic bomb, the model of which has become one of the most stunning interactive exhibits in Russia, literally and figuratively: standing in front of the bomb, visitors can feel what the RDS-1 testers felt at the Semipalatinsk test site. The area under your feet will begin to vibrate, the rumble of the aircraft will begin to increase, and then suddenly the roar of an explosion will be heard. Also available for viewing are dynamic models of the F-1 and Romashka nuclear reactors, a model of the Topaz space nuclear installation and other exhibits.

“Illusions” allows visitors to look behind the scenes of holography - a technology that allows you to view three-dimensional images without stereoscopes or special glasses. In a small dark room you can see a collection of stereoscopes and a set of holograms, as well as a unique exhibit - an installation for recording reflection holograms using the method of Yuri Denisyuk.

The section “Analogues of Nature” reveals how our understanding of natural phenomena and processes is translated into very specific technical inventions: from the simplest little things to robots and complex neurocomputers. Visitors can see Lukyanov’s hydraulic integrator, an electrical integrator resistance panel, a collection of counting objects, a device for digitizing water, neurocomputer boards, as well as the installations “Fractals in Nature,” “Spherulite,” and “Biosphere.” Also of interest are the Soviet robot guide “Sepulka” (1962, designer M. Alexandrov, artist M. Gorokhov), the mechanical doll “Suok”, a six-legged walking machine and Chebyshev’s plantigrade machine, which in the past was a success at the World Exhibition in Paris in 1878 .

In the “New Anthropogenesis” , visitors can familiarize themselves with theories of post-biological evolution and learn how modern technologies can help expand the functions of the human body. Interactive panels will talk about artificial living organisms, digitization and transfer of personality, and other promising technologies that, until recently, were only in the wildest dreams of science fiction writers. Also, a significant part of the exhibits is devoted to the topic of restoring lost functions of the human body: visitors can see a robotic prosthetic arm, learn about the successes of transplantologists and get acquainted with the achievements of regenerative medicine, which makes it possible to grow organs from the patient’s own stem cells.

“Life beyond Earth” is a section dedicated to space exploration and the prospects for the colonization of other planets. Visitors to the exhibition will be treated to an excursion into the research of Konstantin Tsiolkovsky and other Soviet and Russian scientists and inventors who played a role in space exploration. Among the exhibits you can see spacesuits for spacewalks, space nutrition and a sewage and sanitary device from the Mir station - a toilet device that regenerates non-potable water from the urine of astronauts. A special place is given to models of space stations of the ships: “Vostok”, “Venera-9” and USSR-09. A number of models depict the stage-by-stage colonization of Mars: from the landing and construction of the first habitable station to - literally - the planting of gardens and forests.

Bottom line

The exhibition “Russia Does Itself” (RDS) is an excellent and truly interactive exhibition that will be of interest to visitors of any age.

Having looked at the exhibition, visitors will hardly find out what Russia can do on its own, since its exhibits mainly illustrate the history of Soviet research and even the abbreviation of the exhibition name - “RDS” - indicates the Soviet atomic bomb, but high-quality execution compensates for this shortcoming .

A large number of not only spectacular, but also educational installations, themed games, the opportunity to see exhibits in action and communicate with virtual guides, which in themselves have become one of the most interesting exhibits - advantages thanks to which we can safely say that “Russia does it itself” - one of the most interesting and technologically advanced exhibitions available in Moscow today.

You can get acquainted with the opening hours and procedures for visiting the exhibition “Russia Does Itself” on the website of the Polytechnic Museum: polymus.ru

PhotoTelegraph

While the historical building of the Polytechnic Museum is under reconstruction, on the territory of VDNKh there is a museum exhibition called “Russia Does Itself” (although the achievements of Soviet science are mostly presented). Nevertheless, the exhibition is very interesting, both in terms of the composition of the exhibition and the approach to its organization. PhotoTelegraph correspondent visited the exhibition and is in a hurry to share his impressions. (14 photos, 2 videos)