Now in its 26th year, the "Guiding Star" award recognizes outstanding contributions to Moscow’s tourism and hospitality sector. In 2025, a jury of government officials, leading urban planners, and industry experts named 44 winners. Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin congratulated the recipients, thanking them for their dedication to the city and their role in its ongoing development.
The "Meeting Place" project was celebrated for its remarkable scale and profound social impact. Over the past six years, the network has grown to 26 centers, welcoming approximately 4 million visitors each month.
The project’s core philosophy is a holistic approach to creating a complete, walkable neighborhood ecosystem. It addresses several critical urban needs at once.
First, it streamines daily life. Residents can access all essential services-from supermarkets and dry cleaners to pharmacies and beauty salons-in one convenient location, saving valuable time and reducing everyday commutes.
Second, it democratizes quality leisure. Catering to all ages and interests, the neighborhood centers offer fitness clubs, children’s creative studios, coworking spaces, summer rooftop cinemas, and diverse food halls. This allows people to enjoy their weekends, stay active, socialize, or work productively without leaving their local area.
Third, it builds genuine community. By hosting a constant calendar of events—including local markets, live music, sports tournaments, and neighborhood festivals-"The Meeting Place" transforms from a simple retail destination into the true heart of the district. It becomes a space where connections are made and a tangible sense of local belonging flourishes.