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Regular version of the site

Golden Turtle Festival: Capturing Nature’s Tapestry

Portrait of Caracal. Photo by Wanda Ying Lee

Portrait of Caracal. Photo by Wanda Ying Lee

Explore the realm of wildlife at the New Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow through the Golden Turtle festival, running from October 28 to December 10, 2023. The festival is a convergence of photography and art, showcasing the captivating diversity of the animal kingdom.

Open until December 10

Learn more

Spanning over three thousand square meters, the exhibition features over 400 works by finalists of an international wildlife photography contest. These visuals capture a spectrum of creatures such as Pyrenean lynxes, white hares, foxes, manulas, hippos, and platax, sourced from more than 100 countries. The submissions numbered over 15,000, with more than 4,000 authors participating.

An exclusive addition this year is the 'Wild nature of Moscow' nomination. Ten select photos of Moscow’s rare animals, plants, and birds were chosen by the jury. These finalists are displayed in the 'Biodiversity of Moscow' hall. Wildlife lovers will also be interested in the 'Unexplored Russia' exposition.

Adding a contemporary edge, the festival incorporates immersive technologies—modern digital and multimedia solutions—to enhance thematic halls with natural sound effects and aromatic compositions.

An inclusive initiative, the White Book project, introduces a tactile 3D printing technique for visually impaired individuals, allowing them to experience the photographic works firsthand.

The festival extends beyond visual display, hosting educational sessions focused on Russia's protected natural territories. Catering not only to nature enthusiasts but also to photographers, the festival offers opportunities to interact with the artists, learn about wildlife photography intricacies, and attend open lessons. A dedicated programme on environmental preservation covers topics ranging from conservation principles to responsible resource utilisation.

Address: 10 Krymsky Val, Park Kultury metro station, New Tretyakov Gallery (Google Maps)

Open: Sun, Tue, Wed 10 am–6 pm (last entry at 5 pm); Thu, Fri, Sat 10 am–9 pm (last entry at 8 pm)

Tickets: 550 RUB; students 450 RUB.

Important! Tickets can only be purchased online

Text by Maxim Lukianenko and Alexander Tkachenko, bachelor’s students of Foreign Languages and Intercultural Communication, interns at the HSE University English website team