I have always tried to avoid VDNKh. In my understanding, it was once a beautiful park, but gradually turned into a hopeless Cherkizon. In the list of places for recreation where I would like to go for a walk with my family and friends, the exhibition of achievements of the national economy stood on last place... For more than two years I have not visited VDNKh, and this Friday, on a fine spring day, I went to change my point of view. To say that I was surprised is to say nothing.
Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy - the largest exposition, museum and recreational complex in the world. The exhibition complex was officially opened in 1939 as the All-Union Agricultural Exhibition (VSHV) and operated until 1941. Its name has changed several times (VSHV, VPV, VDNKh USSR, VVTs).
Created in Soviet times, the pavilions are a monument to the Soviet era, an example of the dominant different time architectural views.
The pavilion of the Uzbek SSR, being one of the best-preserved pavilions of the All-Union Agricultural Exhibition, is recognized as one of the masterpieces of Soviet architecture of the 1950s by its composition, proportions and elegance. The basis for the creation of the pavilion was taken the main widespread type of the national Uzbek house, in the center of which there is an elegant steel patterned rotunda gazebo, under which a small fountain is still preserved.
Look what a beauty!
Central pavilion of VDNKh
The three-tiered composition of the building was created in the traditions of the classic Russian Empire style. Many experts consider the tower of the St. Petersburg Admiralty to be the closest "stylistic relative" of the pavilion.
Someone destroyed the USSR inscription.
Catering at VDNKh. I am always wary of such establishments, but then I took a chance.
As a result, I drank gorgeous coffee made in a Turk on the sand and ate delicious shawarma. Still alive)
Stylish mobile tents with coffee, corn and hot dogs.
Beauty and comfort)
The Friendship of Peoples fountain is one of the main symbols of VDNKh. Further text from Wikipedia:
The stepped granite base of the fountain, which in the plan resembles a flower, smoothly turns into an immense bowl-shaped sheaf of ears, sunflowers and hemp. Around it are installed, covered with gold leaf, 16 girls, symbolizing the republics of the USSR until 1956.
Figures of workers and peasants looking to the "bright future".
The area around the fountain and up to the pavilion "Ukraine" in winter is a large skating rink.
The main skating rink of the country - this name was officially given to the skating rink last year by the Russian Book of Records. By the way, today was the last day of the skating rink.
During the preparation of the jubilee exposition dedicated to the 75th anniversary of VDNKh, a high relief by Evgeny Vuchetich "Glory to the Soviet people, the standard bearer of the world!"
It is interesting that this find turned out to be completely accidental - they simply decided to take out the extra stalls from the pavilion and free the walls. This work of art was found behind one of these walls.
The high relief has been hidden from the public for more than 50 years, and recently, in a solemn atmosphere, it was opened by the Mayor of Moscow, Sergei Sobyanin.
Pavilion "Republic of Belarus".
And this is the Space Pavilion. It lives up to its name 100%. The pavilion from the side of the square is decorated with a decorated arch, with two pedestals-towers, crowned with sculptures of the Operator and Tractor Operator. Particularly impressive is the grandiose dome made of glass and steel.
View from the roof of "Cosmos" to the Industrial Square.
Many thanks to the VDNKh press service for the warm welcome and to photographer Kirill Smirnov for the excursion)
The article uses materials from the site Gelio Vostok
Gelio Vostok is a publishing house that deals with high-rise photography of cities, and also specializes in the production of corporate photo albums and gift books about regions, large companies and industrial enterprises.
Over the years, the geography of projects has included facilities from the United States to Kamchatka. Photos of the company today can be found almost everywhere: from souvenirs and printed publications to presentations in the Government of the Russian Federation. Gelio Vostok's publishing projects in Russian cities became bestsellers, and among the corporate clients appeared the largest companies and holdings of the country.
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Almost 60 years ago, on June 16, 1959, the Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy was opened to visitors. Prior to that, since 1939, VDNKh existed under the name of the All-Union Agricultural Exhibition (VSKhV). Since the opening of VDNKh, more than one generation of Muscovites and guests of the capital has been walking, falling in love, making new friends. VDNKh has collected in itself a variety of cultural features of Soviet times, being a kind of museum of the history of the USSR and Russia under open air.
Of course, now VDNKh has changed somewhat, but even now this place attracts many tourists. Residents of Moscow are also not averse to rollerblading or ice skating along the numerous tracks of VDNKh.
What should you pay attention to when you first come here? There are at least 10 places worth visiting at VDNKh.
1. Amusement park
The amusement park is one of the few attractions of VDNKh that has retained its identity for several decades. There used to be 2 amusement parks at VDNKh - to the right and to the left of the Main Entrance. Now the amusement park is located only on the left, although in the future it is planned to restore the second amusement park.
One of the symbols of VDNKh (and of Moscow as a whole) is the Ferris wheel, which was previously located to the right of the main entrance. It was the tallest Ferris wheel in Moscow, so for those who want to ride, but are afraid of heights, closed booths were provided. V this moment the ferris wheel is dismantled. The new Ferris wheel is scheduled to be installed by 2018.
2.
Just like the Ferris wheel, the Friendship of Peoples fountain is a landmark building at VDNKh and one of the symbols of Moscow. It was built in 1954 and had several unofficial names: "The Golden Sheaf" and "Friendship of the Peoples of the USSR".
The fountain is a sculpture of 16 girls in national costumes, symbolizing 16 union republics of the USSR.
Russia (a girl holding wheat in her hands, with a scythe on her head) stands in the center, facing the Main Pavilion, Ukraine (a girl with a wreath on her head) and Belarus (a girl wearing a headscarf) are located on either side of it. Visitors noted that all fraternal republics are arranged in a different order than they are represented on the USSR coat of arms.
By the way, four sculptures of the fountain have prototypes: Estonian ballerina and actress Virve Kiple-Parsadanyan, Russian honored worker of VDNKh Kolganova Raisa Frolovna, Turkmen pianist Gozel Annamamedova, wife of poet Mikhail Svetlov Rodam Amirejibi is a citizen of the Georgian SSR.
Every day the fountain attracts many guests who want to take a memorable photo or just sit on the comfortable benches next to the fountain. And this is not surprising - in the evenings the fountain is illuminated with different colors, which change 16 times in 1 hour!
3. Cinema "Circular Kinopanorama"
The cinema is located at the southern entrance of VDNKh. It is the only cinema in the world where visitors can watch unique 360-degree films with stereo sound. These films are usually about 20 minutes long.
In the center of the hall there are benches that you can sit on for a more comfortable viewing. 22 screens installed in 2 tiers form a vicious circle, which creates a completely realistic effect of presence for each visitor.
It's hard to believe, but the Circular Kinopanorama was created back in 1959 and was timed to coincide with the July plenum of the CPSU Central Committee and the opening of VDNKh. In 1965-1966. the cinema has been modernized. Now there are about 20 movie shows a day.
Address: Prospect Mira, 119, str. 541
Ticket price: 150 rubles.
4.
The first manned flight into space is one of the most important stages in the development of science in the Soviet Union and one of the most important world achievements. Of course, this topic could not but be reflected in the image of VDNKh.
In 1964, a monument to the Conquerors of Space appeared at VDNKh. In April 1981, a museum of cosmonautics was opened at the base of the monument. Visitors to the museum could see things here one way or another related to space and astronauts: space equipment, the first spacesuits and artificial satellites of the Earth - everything that helped to study the Moon and other planets of the solar system.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the museum was closed for reconstruction and reopened in 2009. After the reconstruction, the area of the museum has increased 4 times, now there are 8 exhibition halls and a conference room has been added.
Museum halls:
- Space Age Morning;
- "Creators of the Space Age";
- "Space House in Orbit" (modern manned astronautics);
- "Exploration of the Moon and the planets of the Solar System";
- "Cosmonautics - to Humanity";
- "International cooperation in space";
- International Space Park (space states of the world, rocket and space industry of Russia);
- "History and Culture of the Space Age".
There are more than 90 thousand exhibits here: these are samples of rocket space technology(rockets, satellites, simulators for astronauts, etc.), and rare things, documents, arts and crafts, paintings, etc.
Address: Prospect Mira, 111
Ticket price: from 50 rubles.
5. Moscow House of Butterflies
Do you love tropical motives? Do you like lightness and grace? Then the Butterfly House in Pavilion 519 is the place you must visit at VDNKh!
In the Butterfly House, or Butterflyarium, there are 2 halls.
Greenhouse # 1 is an exposition with live tropical butterflies. Here you can see different types butterflies and even touch them! After all, butterflies in the Butterfly flutter right in front of the visitors.
Here you will get acquainted with the life of butterflies, their nutrition, and you can even watch how a pupa becomes a butterfly.
In hall 2 you will see a gallery with a unique private collection of butterflies and various insects from all over the world. There are no analogues of this collection. She gathered for about 50 years and has absorbed insects from Asia, Africa, South and North America.
If after visiting the museum you realize that butterflies are really yours - in the store you can buy a doll or a live butterfly and settle it at home! It also sells handmade designer souvenirs.
Address: Prospekt Mira, 119, p. 519
Ticket price: from 300 rubles.
6.
Moskvarium opened in 2015. It is divided into several zones: an aquarium zone, a swimming center with dolphins, a lecture hall. In addition, shows with marine life are often held here.
In the area of the aquarium with an area of 12 thousand square meters, about 8 thousand marine and freshwater inhabitants from all over the world are represented. Here you can find stingrays, crustaceans, and different types of fish (including the eccentric nautilus), and starfish and octopuses. Fans of extreme sports will be able to get acquainted with sharks and cayman crocodiles.
At the moment, Moskvarium is the only place where you can swim with dolphins. The swimming center is intended for this.
To watch the performances of maritime artists, visit the show at the Moskvarium. Charming seals, majestic killer whales, mysterious beluga whales and, of course, mischievous dolphins will gladly show you everything they can do!
Address: Prospect Mira, 119, p. 23
Ticket price: from 600 rubles
7.
The Museum of Optical Illusions was opened in 2015 in pavilion 55. Here anyone can get into a parallel reality and do what they have long dreamed of. For example, extreme lovers will be able to jump with a parachute or try to escape from bloodthirsty zombies, movie lovers will feel like they are their favorite movie heroes.
Despite the fact that this museum is loved by both adults and children, it is especially delightful for the younger generation of visitors. This is not surprising - where else can the little ones get to know the minions, Scrooge or the Simpsons family?
A sense of reality is created through special volumetric paintings created by the best 3D artists and props in Russia. Against the background of these pictures, you can - and even need - to be photographed. After all, it is in the photo that the necessary effect of presence appears!
Address: Prospect Mira, 119, bldg. 55
Ticket price: from 350 rubles
In addition to visiting the voiced places, at VDNKh you can always find activities to your liking. if you love leisure, you will always find a place at VDNKh. Summer tracks with smooth asphalt will appeal to fans of roller skating or jogging. Perfect ice on a winter ice rink attracts skating fans here.
In addition, here you can always just take a leisurely walk with friends or make a romantic date.
The Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy is considered one of the most popular places in Moscow. More than 20 million people visit it every year. In Russia, this is the largest museum - exposition. On the territory there are pavilions, fountains, park areas, ponds and monuments. There are 49 cultural heritage sites in total.
The total area of VDNKh with the Ostankino park is 317 hectares.
Opened in August 1939, the Exhibition changed its appearance and filling. During its existence, it was repeatedly renamed: VSKhV, VPV, VDNKh USSR, VVTs. In 2014, an electronic vote was held and the place was returned to its former name VDNKh. Also this year, work began on the revival of the exhibition.
Hotels and hostels located in the immediate vicinity of the park can receive tourists from different cities of the world. The cost of living depends on the level of comfort of the rooms.
Skating rink at VDNKh
In winter, skating rinks for children and adults are open at VDNKh. You can come here on any day except Monday and go ice skating. Each year, the theme of New Year's decorations changes, but the skating rinks at VDNKh are still the largest in Russia.
In the 2018-2019 season, VDNKh has two large ice rink"Flower Garden" and "Rocket". And also a small Children's ice rink.
Their names correspond to the chosen place. The "Flower Garden" skating rink is located between the "Stone Flower" and "Friendship of Nations" fountains. And the Raketa ice rink is flooded around the Vostok launch vehicle on the Industrial Square.
Skating rink "Flower garden"
In the very center of VDNKh there is the Tsvetnik skating rink. The organizers tried to convey the festive mood to the visitors as much as possible, decorating it with giant installations in the form of Christmas balls. As before, skiing is accompanied by musical accompaniment. Due to its size, it can simultaneously accommodate up to 1200 people.
The area of the Tsvetnik skating rink at VDNKh is 4,500 square meters.
The "Flower Garden" skating rink is more suitable for families with families, since next to it there was a separate area of 900 square meters for children from 3 to 8 years old.
For those who are skating for the first time or cannot skate, there are special supporting structures. They are made in the form of small carriages of the Sapsan train. It is also possible to order additional service and undergo training with an instructor.
The children's and main skating rinks have separate ticket offices, warm changing rooms and skate rentals. For adults and young visitors, you can rent curly, hockey or children's models. There are a total of 1,500 pairs. Children must be accompanied by an adult. To ensure safety, there is a first aid station nearby.
You can have a snack and drink hot drinks in one of three cafes located nearby. Two of them are located near the Stone Flower fountain, and the third is in the pavilion of the children's skating rink.
Skating rink "Raketa"
The second skating rink has a space theme. Its highlight was the huge mock-up of the Vostok rocket. Skating here is faster than the previous ones. Most often it is visited by young people. For them, the organizers arrange themed parties with music and animation on the ice rink. The Raketa skating rink is much more spacious and can accommodate twice as many people - 2,400 people.
The area of the Raketa skating rink at VDNKh is 8600 square meters.
The infrastructure of the Raketa skating rink includes one common skating circle, several entrance pavilions and four warm cafes. As with the other skating rink, there is a first-aid post nearby for safety reasons. And also eight training instructors work.
The ticket office is located right next to the skating rink entrance. More than 1,500 skates are rented for children and adults. You can also take them and bring them on the ice with you from home. If necessary, sharpen the blades immediately.
Prices in 2019
The cost of visiting all skating rinks is the same. Prices vary depending on age and availability of benefits.
Child ticket (ages 3 to 12):
- from Tuesday to Friday for 1 session - 150 rubles, 2 session - 200 rubles;
- from Saturday to Sunday for 1 session - 150 rubles, 2 session - 200 rubles, 3 session - 200 rubles, 4 session - 200 rubles.
Adult ticket:
- from Tuesday to Friday for 1 session - 250 rubles, 2 session - 350 rubles;
- from Saturday to Sunday for 1 session - 350 rubles, 2 session - 450 rubles, 3 session - 450 rubles, 4 session - 400 rubles.
Tickets for the Tsvetnik and Raketa skating rinks are purchased separately at their ticket offices. It is also possible to buy them in advance on the official VDNKh website.
Tickets for the Children's Skating Rink are bought on the spot for the child and the accompanying person. For those who do not have their own skates, rental offices are open. This service costs 200 rubles. Sizes from twenty-fifth to forty-eighth.
Additionally, you can take protective shields for 50 rubles. Skates are sharpened and repaired in the ice rink pavilions. Cost from 250 rubles.
Skating rinks schedule
Opening hours of the Tsvetnik skating rink and the playground at VDNKh:
from tuesday to friday
- 1 session from 11:00 to 15:00,
- 2nd session from 17:00 to 23:00;
on Saturday and Sunday, as well as holidays
- 1 session from 10:00 to 12:30,
- 2nd session from 13:30 to 15:30,
- 3 session from 16:30 to 18:30,
- 4th session from 19:30 to 23:00;
day off - Monday.
Operating hours of the Raketa skating rink at VDNKh:
from tuesday to friday
- 1 session from 11:00 to 15:00,
- 2nd session from 17:00 to 23:00;
from saturday to sunday and holidays
- 1 session from 10:00 to 13:30,
- 2nd session from 14:30 to 16:30,
- 3 session from 17:30 to 19:30,
- 4 session from 20:30 to 23:00;
Monday is not a working day.
Sports entertainment on ice rinks is held on weekends from 10:30 to 15:30 at the Tsvetnik skating rink, from 12:30 to 16:30 at the Raketa skating rink. Animation for young visitors on Saturday and Sunday from 13:30 to 15:30 at the Children's skating rink. On Fridays from 18:00 to 20:00 themed dance parties are held at the Raketa skating rink.
VDNKh operating mode
The territory of VDNKh is in round-the-clock access for visitors. The entrance to the pavilions is limited by the conditions of the events held inside.
The opening hours of the cafe depend on the season. They are open from 10:00 to 23:00 in summer and close an hour earlier in winter.
History of the Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy
In 1934, it was decided to organize an exhibition space to showcase achievements in the field of agriculture and collectivization. The opening was timed to coincide with the 20th anniversary of Soviet power. The history of VDNKh is inextricably linked with numerous scandals and tragic destinies Soviet architects. The exhibition was rebuilt many times. The pavilions were demolished and rebuilt to please the new government. Under Khrushchev, the territory of the Exhibition became a battleground for two superpowers. In 1959, the Vice President of the United States, Richard Nixon, attended the Exhibition.
At present, VDNKh has begun a large-scale reconstruction of utility networks and buildings. The video surveillance and control systems are being modernized, which will make it possible to secure the visitors of the Exhibition. In addition, free Wi-Fi Internet access will now work throughout the park. The completion of the work is planned for 2018. The exhibition space is divided into seven thematic zones: Central Alley, EXPO zone, Ostankino Park, Landscape park, Amusement Park, Crafts Park, Knowledge Park. Soon VDNKh will become the main educational and entertainment platform in Russia, which can be visited by up to 40 million people annually.
VDNKh pavilions
The central entrance is located on the side of Prospekt Mira, behind the Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics. At the top of the five-span arch, there is a monument to the Tractor Driver and Collective Farm Woman. The total height is 32 meters. The central entrance was built by the architect I. Melchakov in 1954. The statue was the emblem of the 1939 Exhibition and stood in front of the Central Pavilion. During the construction of the arch, it was moved and installed on the roof. From here, the route begins along the main alley, on which the most interesting pavilions of VDNKh are located.
Pavilion "Worker and Collective Farm Woman"
The pavilion is located to the right of the Central Entrance to VDNKh. At the top is the eponymous monument by V. Mukhina and B. Iofan. Initially, the concept of the statue was created for the 1937 World Exhibition in Paris. In 2009, the complex was reconstructed, now it hosts educational events and exhibitions of Moscow and regional museums.
Pavilion No. 1 "Central"
The pavilion is located on the Central Alley of VDNKh. It was built in 1954 by architects Y. Shchuko and E. Stolyarov. Intended to demonstrate the main achievements of the USSR.
The height of the pavilion "Central" - 97 meters, area - 3500 sq. meters.
The exposition showed the main events of the building of the Soviet state and its successes in the national economy, science and art. The pavilion is currently under reconstruction.
Agriculture Pavilion
Legendary old building from 1954. Previously it was called "Ukrainian SSR". It was designed by the architect A. Tatsiy. The pavilion was numbered 58. Initially, its exposition reflected the successes of agriculture and industry of the union republic. In 1954, to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the reunification of Ukraine with Russia, it was crowned with a spire in the form of a golden sheaf. Now closed for restoration work.
Pavilion "Smart City"
The Smart City Information Technology Center is one of the newest pavilions at VDNKh. It was built in 2016 according to the project of the Wall architecture bureau. It was numbered 461. The area is 1600 sq. M. meters. The premises have a modern design. The facades are made of large-sized gray tiles with a relief pattern of computer microcircuits. Panoramic windows provide natural light all year round.
Space Pavilion
It changed its name three times. On April 13, 2018, after reconstruction, the Cosmonautics and Aviation Center was opened in Pavilion No. 34. It is the largest space museum complex in modern Russia. It contains more than 2000 unique photo and video materials and archival documents. 120 samples of aircraft and space technology that have never been exhibited before.
Moskvarium at VDNKh
The Moskvarium Center for Oceanography and Marine Biology is the largest oceanarium in Russia. Its building is conditionally divided into the Aquarium and the Hall for performances of marine animals and artists for 2300 seats. Moskvarium holds 5 million liters of water, 80 aquariums, 7000 different fish and marine animals. This allows you to recreate various ecosystems of the World Ocean. For children's leisure, there is an interactive area with starfish, carp and stingrays. The pride of the aquarium is a panoramic platform for watching killer whales, dolphins and belugas. The lecture program can be found on the official website.
sights
The Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy is rich in sights. Fountains, museum, statues, parks and more. When planning your visit, it is better to plan at least one full daylight hours in order to get around the main places.
Fountain "Friendship of Peoples"
The fountain is located behind Pavilion No. 1 "Central". Worked on the project: K. Topuridze, V. Klyavina, Z. Bazhenova, A. Teneta, I. Chaikov, Z. Ryleeva, V. Gavrilov. It finally started working in 1954.
The length of the Druzhba Narodov fountain along the perimeter is 170 meters, the area is 3723 sq. meters.
The fountain has an oval shape, around its circumference there are sculptures of 16 girls in national costumes and paraphernalia, symbolizing the union republics. The most complex water supply and management system is hidden underground.
Fountain "Stone Flower"
This is the second most important fountain of VDNKh after the Friendship of Peoples. It was created in the same 1954 by the architect K. Topuridze and the sculptor P. Dobrynin. Located on the Kolkhoz Square.
The Stone Flower Fountain is the world's first light and music fountain.
Industry Square
The square was designed in 1937 by the architect V. Oltarzhevsky. It is noteworthy that a mock-up of a Vostok rocket and a Yak-42 aircraft are now installed there. To the left of the square there is a model of the spaceship "Buran".
A mock-up of the Vostok launch vehicle appeared at VDNKh in 1967, on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the Great October Socialist Revolution. It was manufactured at the Samara Rocket and Space Center.
The weight of the Vostok rocket mock-up is 25 tons, the height is 38.4 meters.
The Soviet liner Yak-42 set nine world records, including the flight range Moscow - Khabarovsk. He appeared at the Exhibition in 1981.
The model of the spaceship "Buran" is a part of the museum complex dedicated to the rocket ship and its flight into space in 1988.
Technograd
Technograd at VDNKh is a center where anyone can master a new profession and gain knowledge in the field of urban infrastructure, industry, public services, digital technologies, industry and entrepreneurship. The poster of upcoming events is posted on the official website.
Green theater at VDNKh
At the first Exhibition in 1939, the wooden stage of the Green Theater was built. Over the years of its existence, it was rebuilt several times, it completely changed its appearance. The State Academic Symphony Orchestra and the Pyatnitsky Choir performed at the theater. There were concerts of famous singers: Kobzon, Hvorostovsky, Dunaevsky, Grebenshchikov and Boyarsky. Now work is underway in the theater to examine his condition. Based on their results, a careful restoration project will be drawn up.
Park "Ostankino"
The oldest Moscow park, with an area of 71 hectares. On its territory there is a museum-estate Ostankino. In addition to shady alleys, there is a pond with a water theater in the center of the park. The open-air complex began its work as a concert venue relatively recently, but has already gained popularity among the townspeople.
Exhibitions in 2019
For many years VDNKh has been considered the main venue for all industry exhibitions, forums, congresses, corporate events and concerts. They are divided into two groups: own and guest projects. All events take place throughout the year, both outdoors and in closed pavilions. For these purposes, two huge two-storey complexes with space for temporary development were erected, as well as conference rooms.
The International Exhibition Complex is located in Pavilion No. 75 to the right of the Central Entrance. Its area is over 24,000 square meters. Pavilion 69 - Specialized Exhibition Complex is located nearby. His total area exhibition space together with conference rooms reaches 16,000 square meters. Ticket prices vary depending on the event, and often admission can be free. Announcements of upcoming events are published on the official website of VDNKh.
Events at VDNKh
Every year VDNKh hosts over a hundred exhibitions and congresses of international level. City festivals and celebrations are organized on its territory. In summer, open-air concerts are held here, and in winter, the largest skating rink in Russia opens. A poster of events at VDNKh is available on the official website.
Festival "Inspiration"
One of the brightest events at VDNKh is the Inspiration Arts Festival. At the end of July, the Ostankino Park hosts installations of contemporary art. In the evening, the forest around the pond literally comes to life.
Amusement rides
The old attractions have recently been dismantled. And new ones will appear at VDNKh in the near future. Construction work has begun modern park entertainment. Its name is "Park of the Future". The project was developed by representatives of Russian and Italian companies who took part in the construction of Olympic facilities in Sochi and Disneyland in Paris. The idea of combining entertainment and education corresponds to the conceived concept.
The southern part of VDNKh was chosen for the construction of the amusement park. The attractions are planned to be of a closed type. Their operation is possible in winter and summer. The main objects will be cable car and the tallest Ferris wheel in Europe. Historical buildings will not be changed, they will undergo a major restoration. Events and various activities will be held inside them. For the convenience of visitors, multi-level parking is provided to solve the problem of congestion of cars.
How to get to VDNKh
VDNKh is located in the North-East of Moscow. It is possible to reach it by any kind public transport or taxi.
Metro to VDNKh
The VDNKh station of the Moscow metro is part of the Kaluzhsko-Rizhskaya line (orange).
Land transport
- Monorail: stops "Exhibition Center" and "Sergei Eisenstein Street";
- Trams: No. 11, 17, 25;
- Buses: No. М9, Т13, 15, 33, 56, 76, 85, 93, 136, 154, 172, 195, 244, 266, 311, 378, 379, 496, 533, 544, 834, 803, 903, Н6 ;
- Trolleybuses: No. 14, 36, 73, 76.
Parking
24-hour parking lots at VDNKh are located at four entrances to the territory and inside the park:
- "Central" - from the side of Prospect Mira, 121;
- "North-1" - from the side of Prospect Mira, 123 b;
- “Khovanskiy” - from the side of Khovanskaya street, 24;
- "Likhoborskiy" - from the side of Selskokhozyaistvennaya street, 21;
- at pavilions No. 69, 70, 75 for 600 seats;
- multi-level underground parking - from the side of Eisenstein Street, 1.
Payment for parking is made at the entrance to VDNKh. The rate for a single stay up to 12 hours is 700 rubles on weekdays and 1200 rubles on weekends and holidays.
Parking for guests and exhibitors at pavilions No. 69, 70, 75 from 550 rubles to 2800 rubles, taking into account the tonnage of the car. Free reduced fare provided to VDNKh veterans, disabled people, participants of the Second World War.
The cost of an underground parking space: 50 rubles per hour and 200 rubles per day.
Taxi
You can get to VDNKh from anywhere in Moscow by taxi using the applications: Yandex. Taxi, Uber, Gett, Maxim.
How many stories are connected at VDNKh! Both we and our mothers and fathers, grandmothers and grandfathers spent their time here, made first dates, visited interesting exhibitions, met with friends. VDNKh has gone through whole epochs, a real rebirth in 1954, the decline of the 90s. Today the Exhibition is reviving and again becomes a favorite place for Russians and tourists.
The Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy is the largest exposition, museum and recreational complex in the world, one of the most popular public spaces in the capital of Russia.
It is visited by about 25 million guests a year.
The exhibition was opened on August 1, 1939. Its name has changed several times
(VSKhV, VPV, VDNKh USSR, VVTs).
In the spring of 2014, the Moscow Government launched a large-scale project to revive VDNKh, timed to coincide with the 75th anniversary of the country's main exhibition. On the initiative of Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin and the results of electronic voting by city residents, the complex was returned to its legendary historical name - "Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy".
VDNKh is united with the Ostankino park, their total area is more than 317 hectares (235.5 hectares - the area of VDNKh and 81.5 hectares - the Ostankino area). On the territory of VDNKh there are many architectural masterpieces, large and small park structures, including unique fountains. 49 objects of the Exhibition are recognized as monuments cultural heritage.
More than 100 international business exhibitions and congresses are held annually at VDNKh, dozens of festivals and holidays are held, and new expositions are being created. And with the revival of the Green Theater, opened on August 1, 2014, the Exhibition also acquired the status of a popular summer concert venue, where the best musicians, stand-up comedians and performers of Russian and world scale perform.
In 2016, a new stage in the history of VDNKh began - a large-scale reconstruction of the territory and development of the Exhibition. The main stage of work will be carried out on a tight schedule and will be completed in 2018.
After the implementation of this program, VDNKh will become not only the main showcase of the country, a collection of the most interesting things in Russia, but also become the main educational, entertainment, cultural, museum and recreational complex. This will increase the attendance of VDNKh to 40 million people a year.
According to the VDNKh development plan, its territory will be divided into 7 park zones, each of which has its own theme, image and meaning (Central Alley, Theme Park, Landscape Park, Crafts Park, Knowledge Park, EXPO zone, Ostankino Park).
VDNKh, like any object with such a long history, has many secrets and secrets.
For example, few people know that there is a real bunker on the territory of VDNKh. And about the fact that during the war there was a school of scouts?
There was a time when Russia was in a state of cold war, and bunkers were built throughout Russia in case of attacks. VDNKh is no exception.
The bunker is located right in the building of the House of Friendship of Peoples. This structure was created for Stalin, but no one used it. An interesting fact is that from the bunker leads underground passage, which ends under the sculpture of Lenin, installed in front of the Pavilion. That is why the sculpture has not yet been removed.
The bunker has a capacity of 300 people. There are lounges, a food storage room, an air filtration room, and an office for the Secretary General. The equipment made it possible to stay underground for 2 days. Until 1971, the bunker was regularly replenished with provisions and water. Now this facility is operational, it is under the protection of the Ministry of Emergency Situations.
The main entrance to VDNKh
The majestic 32-meter arch through which visitors enter VDNKh is a historical and cultural monument of national importance. The arch, like the famous Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, opens the Central Alley - the main axis of the exhibition city, which embodied the triumph of the Great Victory and the first successes in the post-war revival of the country.
The huge exhibition park required a monumental entrance, and this task was accomplished perfectly. Take a closer look: on the columns there are large bas-reliefs, the main theme of which is the work of people. The sculptural group "Tractor Driver and Collective Farm Woman" crowns the solemn composition. The symbol of VDNKh - the sculpture "Worker and Collective Farm Woman", has endured a lot in its lifetime. Even in the process of its creation, a denunciation was written against the sculptor that the profile of Trotsky was supposedly visible in the worker's skirt.
But the move was not given, and the piece was completed.
Pavilion "House of the Peoples of Russia"
Pavilion "House of the Peoples of Russia" at VDNKh - The main building of the Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy was built in 1954 during the reconstruction of the dilapidated buildings of the complex. Initially, the pavilion's exposition reflected the stages and successes in building a socialist state in the Soviet Union as a whole. Pavilion 1 houses the permanent exhibition Secrets of the Underwater World. One meter long herbivorous piranhas literally jump out of the aquarium when they are fed bananas and apples.
A four-meter tiger python is dozing in a special enclosure. He eats infrequently - once a month he swallows a rabbit. An anaconda swims nearby. Her favorite food is rats. Visitors to the exposition can see a real Nile crocodile and snapping turtle, snake-headed turtles, as well as live sharks, which already here, in captivity, have offspring.
Fountain "Friendship of the Peoples of the USSR"
- a striking architectural monument of the Soviet eraOne of the most famous fountain complexes in the capital appeared in the Stalin era on the territory of modern VDNKh: its central element is the sparkling gilded fountain Friendship of the Peoples of the USSR (1953), which is symbolized by 16 girls around a colossal sheaf of wheat and sunflower.
Sculpture "Russia"
The Russian girl looks at the Main Pavilion and holds a sheaf of wheat in her hands, next to her are the Slavic sisters - Ukraine (a girl in a wreath) and Belarus (a girl in a scarf, holding a branch with an apple in her hand).
The arrangement of the sixteen figures is not accidental, since they stand in pairs, which corresponds to the order of the ribbons in the coat of arms of the USSR - from the ones bordering the motto "Workers of all countries, unite!" Ukraine, Russia and so on.
sculpture "Georgia"
The artistic and engineering value of the fountain is beyond doubt: here is an epic scale, and a monumental idea that unites many sculptural elements into a single whole, and a careful study of all details, both from an aesthetic and technical point of view. The fountain project was designed by K. Topuridze and engineer V. Klyavin. Five of the country's leading sculptors worked on it.
sculpture "Latvia"
Initially, the fountain was supposed to be called "The Golden Sheaf", but before the opening it was nevertheless renamed. In the center of the sculptural composition is indeed a giant sheaf of ears, sunflowers and (no need to laugh) hemp. Around are the figures of sixteen girls in national costumes of the fraternal republics, who hold various samples of agricultural products in their hands. You may ask why 16, because there were only 15 union republics? It's simple: until 1956, the Karelo-Finnish Republic was also a part of the USSR, and it is she who is "superfluous" on this holiday of life.
sculpture "Turkmenistan"
Only three heroines are known who posed for the fountain sculptors. These are the Estonian ballerina and actress Virve Kiple-Parsadanyan, the Turkmen pianist Gozel Annamamedova, who was a student at the Moscow Conservatory in those distant years, and the wife of the poet Mikhail Svetlov, a Georgian woman, Rodam Amirejibi. It is believed that the prototype of the fountain was Stepan Pimenov's Guryev Service of 1809–1816 - his porcelain sculptures resembled ancient goddesses with national features in clothing and attributes, like the characters of Alexei Venetsianov, who worked in the same years.
sculpture "Azerbaijan"
sculpture "Moldova"
sculpture "Ukraine"
sculpture "Belarus"
sculpture "Uzbekistan"
sculpture "Lithuania"
sculpture "Estonia"
sculpture "Kazakhstan"
sculpture "Armenia"
sculpture "Kyrgyzstan"
sculptures "Turkmenistan" and "Tajikistan"
The "Friendship of the Peoples of the USSR" fountain is one of the main symbols of the All-Union Agricultural Exhibition-VDNKh-VVTs. It embodied the ideals of friendship and peace, which were the main strategy and central policy of the USSR in the 1950s.
Worker and Kolkhoz Woman - "the ideal and symbol of the Soviet era"
The Worker and the Collective Farm Woman, created by the architect Vera Mukhina, have long been a symbol not just of Moscow, but of the entire country - the USSR. Created in 1937, the monument embodied the social achievements of the Land of Soviets and said that the main working person in the USSR was the creator. The monument itself is made of stainless steel and together with the pedestal weighs about 200 tons.
The worker and the collective farmer were created for the USSR pavilion at the World Exhibition in Paris. The idea was to show not only the power of the country, but also its achievements in the social sphere. I must say that the goal has been achieved. The monument really amazes with its power and determination to the future. This is the anthem of labor in steel.
Arch of the North Entrance
The arch of the Northern Entrance has always been a symbol of VDNKh and once served as the main gate of the All-Union Agricultural Exhibition. It is the only building of 1939 that has come down to us without later alterations. To this day, only a solid relief decoration has survived: garlands of fruits, ears and vines, cast from white cement, and on the vaults of the side volumes, you can see stucco molding with a geometric pattern. The arch more than once became the subject of filming and was known throughout the USSR thanks to such films that entered the golden fund of Russian cinema as Foundling (1939), The Bright Path (1940), The Pig and the Shepherd (1941 g.) and "The House I Live In" (1957). The oldest structure of VDNKh - the Arch of the Northern Entrance - is planned to be restored by mid-2017.
Pavilion No. 8 "Young Naturalists"
Built in 1954 as "Young Naturalists" by architects N.А. Grishina, D.S. Vitukhina, A.S. Goldin. Monument of history and culture of national importance. Under Soviet rule, this pavilion with a glass dome contained halls for young technicians, livestock breeders, plant breeders, a greenhouse and an exhibit area. Now the exhibition of exotic birds and the museum of fairy tales "Once upon a time" work here. Exotic birds flutter in a greenhouse among tropical plants. Guests can observe the life and behavior of birds from Africa, Asia, Australia, America and Oceania. Video cameras are installed in the nests so that anyone who wants to can admire the birth of chicks. In 2011, the Dolphinarium was officially opened behind Pavilion No. 8.
Pavilion No. 9 "Young Technicians"
If most of the pavilions of VDNKh were built in 1954, then the building on the site of the ninth, which was then called "Peat", appeared even before the war - in 1939. Today, the "Panopticon of Scientific Entertainment", opened in 2012, operates here.
Pavilion No. 10 "Standards" ("Moldavian SSR")
The first project of pavilion No. 10, located opposite the Friendship of Peoples fountain, was implemented for the opening of the All-Union Agricultural Exhibition in 1954. In the architecture of the building's facades, the authors combined the motives of the classics and the national architecture of Moldova. The main facade of the pavilion, facing the Friendship of Peoples Square, was designed in the form of a portico with a deep loggia, brightly painted with folk ornaments.
Pavilion No. 18 "Republic of Belarus"
The pavilion has been on this site since 1939! Today the "Belarusian Trade, Exhibition and Information and Marketing Center" works here. The building acquired its present appearance during the post-war reconstruction of the Exhibition. The pavilion, designed by G.A. Zakharov and 3.S. Chernysheva, is an expressive architectural structure... It is crowned with the sculpture "Homeland" by A.O. Bembel. This sculpture embodies the concept of Motherland. The classical character of the architecture of the pavilion with a powerful portico and a light rotunda crowning it is in harmony with the majestic solemnity of a golden statue dominating the surrounding space. There is some movement in her rest. This statue opens unexpectedly when you approach the pavilion, giving a new impression.
Industry area
At the very beginning of the design of VDNKh, a giant pavilion-skyscraper "Mechanization and Electrification of Agriculture of the USSR" was built on the square. Then the dominant feature was the grandiose 25-meter monument-repetition "Stalin" by Merkurov, which was dismantled immediately after the death of the leader. Instead, a large round pond was created, and the "Mechanization" pavilion completely changed its appearance and became very similar to a domed basilica.
Later, the place in the center of the pond, where the statue of Stalin was located, was replaced by a model of the Vostok rocket, on which Yuri Gagarin took off on April 12, 1961. Also, three aircraft appeared on the square, of which only the Yak-42 has survived to this day.
Museum complex "Buran"
Interactive museum complex"Buran" at VDNKh was created in record time - in 3 months. The exposition is located inside the model of the orbital spacecraft "Buran BTS-001" and is dedicated to the victories of Russian scientists, engineers and space explorers. Here you can not only learn about the history of the Soviet space shuttle, but also try yourself in the role of its pilot. The simulator fully simulates the real landing of the Buran after the first and only flight in 1988.
Monyment "To the winners of the cosmos"
The first manned flight into space is one of the most important stages in the development of science in the Soviet Union and one of the most important world achievements. Of course, this topic could not but be reflected in the image of VDNKh. In 1964, a monument to the Conquerors of Space appeared at VDNKh. In April 1981, the foundation of the monument was opened Space Museum. Visitors to the museum could see things here one way or another related to space and astronauts: space equipment, the first spacesuits and artificial satellites of the Earth - everything that helped to study the Moon and other planets of the solar system.
Pavilion No. 35 "Tabak"
"Glavtabak", created in the image of the pre-war building, located on the site of the domed hall of pavilion 32/34, combined the motives of the architecture of the East, Gothic and Russian national architecture. Even today, the guests of the Exhibition are delighted with the faceted rounded volume, surrounded by a gallery and resembling a gazebo. The fancy facade of the pavilion is decorated with multi-colored tiles with expressive plant motifs.
Various outlines of real and false windows, kokoshniks, thin columns and other interesting elements give the pavilion an exquisite decorative effect and an emphasized oriental flavor. The spire crowning the dome used to complete the medallion with the Glavtabak emblem.
Pavilion 38 Exhibition and aquarium complex ("Fishing")
The building replaced the small pavilions "Pond Economy" and "Fish Industry", built for the opening of the Exhibition-1939 and reconstructed in 1954 in the style of Stalinist eclecticism. The new pavilion, clad in glass and aluminum, was created in the spirit of brutal modernism.
Pavilion No. 58 Agriculture (Ukrainian SSR)
In 1937, on the territory of the Exhibition under construction, a temporary wooden pavilion of Ukraine was erected according to the project of A.A. Tatsia with the participation of N.K. Ivanchenko. Later, the author had to make changes to the project several times, the most significant - just 4 months before the opening of the Exhibition.
At the end of March 1939, during the 18th Congress of the All-Union Communist Party of Bolsheviks, the first secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Ukraine, NS Khrushchev, visited the newly finished pavilion of the republic and was extremely dissatisfied. "Ukraine is the granary of the Soviet Union, and the pavilion is worse than the Moscow pavilion!" - he was indignant. The construction of the building that we can admire today began in 1950.
Pavilion No. 59 "GRAIN" (Moscow, Ryazan and Tula region)
The pavilion is built of stone, concrete and mirrored glass. A ruby star and bas-reliefs with figures of vegetable growers, milkmaids, gardeners, tractor drivers, which framed the facade, became its decoration. The silhouette of the building resembled both the USSR pavilion at the exhibition in Paris in 1937, and the Kremlin tower with symbolic battlements. The author of the project used a set of jewelry and symbols that were close and understandable to the then generation. By the opening of the All-Union Agricultural Exhibition in 1954, the pavilion was reconstructed: the building acquired a more austere look, and the 52-meter tower directed into the sky, crowned with a star, gave it lightness and elevation.
Pavilion No. 60 "Consumer Cooperation"
("Central black earth regions")
According to the original plans, Pavilion No. 60 was built in the 1950s to represent the Kursk, Tambov, Penza, Voronezh and Oryol regions... Its architecture is designed in the forms of neoclassicism, harmoniously complemented by ornaments in the Russian style. The semicircular colonnade of the entrance group and the belvedere decorated with a golden wreath with an openwork decorative composition give the pavilion a special solemnity. Despite the rather modest interior for the most part, the central hall is distinguished by a magnificently designed light dome with images of sheaves, sickles, five-pointed stars, wreaths and other details that refer to decorative motifs in the Empire style.
Pavilion No. 61 ("Tsentrosoyuz")
The pavilion "Tsentrosoyuz" within the framework of the All-Union Agricultural Exhibition was designed to demonstrate the importance of consumer cooperation, the purpose of which was to implement and develop commodity communication between town and country. Its snow-white volume ends in the central part with a tent with many kokoshniks, which is crowned with a gilded spire. The sculptures located to the right and left of the tent symbolize the inextricable link between the working class and the collective farm peasantry.
Pavilion No. 62 ("Nature Protection", "Building Materials") International Center Ballet
On the linden alley next to the former "Kolkhoz Club" today we can see pavilion No. 62. In 1954, it was built to introduce agricultural workers to diversity. building materials produced by industry, and their effective use. On June 5, 2017, the International Ballet Center was opened in the pavilion. The center is focused not only on teaching classical ballet, but also folk dance and modern jazz; it also hosts lectures, performances and master classes by famous choreographers from Russia and other countries.
Pavilion No. 66 "Culture" ("Uzbek SSR")
In 1937, to the left of the Friendship of Peoples fountain, a pavilion was erected according to the project of S.N. Polupanov, intended for the Tajik, Turkmen and Uzbek SSR. However, in 1938 it was completely occupied by the exposition of the Uzbek SSR.
Culture is one of the most beloved pavilions of Muscovites and city guests at VDNKh. An airy gazebo in front of the pavilion, tiles on the walls, exquisite oriental architecture. Many wedding photo sessions take place here on weekends. So, before it was the pavilion Uzbekistan, behind it was the real Chaikhona. The pavilion was built in the spirit of an Uzbek house by the best craftsmen from Uzbekistan: there are no windows, but all the walls are beautifully decorated.
Many legends are associated with the gazebo. The VDNKh keepers say that sometimes the gazebo makes groaning sounds at night. Forty columns of the aerial pavilion symbolize 40 wives of the Padishah, who lived several centuries ago. After the death of their master, the columns (that is, the wife) began to groan with grief. You can check this only at night, making your way past the guards. The roof of the gazebo is painted bright blue - this is also no coincidence. They say that the sky in Uzbekistan is different in color from Moscow, so the builders showed the difference. Like, envy! You must go to the pavilion. It has a carved ceiling, chandeliers, and a pattern inner wall completely repeats the pattern from the outside.
Pavilion No. 68 "Armenia"
(formerly "Coal Industry", "Siberia")
A hexagonal pavilion with decorative turrets on Druzhby Narodov Square was built in the early 1950s for the exposition of Siberia. Its side facades introduce the guests of the Exhibition to the flora and fauna of this region. The epic picture of the Siberian Territory is also created by cornices and bas-reliefs saturated with stucco ornaments, in which we can easily recognize a hunter, a combine operator-machine operator, a collective farmer, a sheep breeder, an agronomist and a miner.
Pavilion No. 68 resembles a small fortress. Since 2003, the Exhibition and Commercial Center of the Republic of Armenia, as well as the “Ararat” restaurant, have been operating in the pavilion.
Ferris wheel
The Ferris wheel installed at VDNKh allows you to admire the landscapes of the capital from a height of 73 meters, the diameter of the wheel is 70 meters. It was built in 1995 for the 850th anniversary of Moscow and became the tallest attraction in Moscow and Eastern Europe.
The period of one revolution of the attraction is seven minutes. There are forty passenger cabins on the wheel. Eight of them are open. Each cabin has a capacity of 8 people. It should be said that the design of the wheel is resistant to wind gusts reaching forty meters per second. He is not afraid of earthquakes up to nine points.
Yakubov's castle at VDNKh
The castle at VDNKh belongs to the American citizen Yakov Yakubov. At the farthest and most deserted end of the Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy - in the state conservation area - there is a three-story castle. True, it has nothing to do with the exhibition: it is the private property of the multimillionaire Yakov Yakubov. This structure is not indicated on the VDNKh scheme. No house number, no address. There is a pavilion "Rabbit breeding" standing nearby, but there is no castle. Everyone who has seen it speaks with delight about this castle. They say, one might say, with aspiration. But for some reason they keep quiet about who it belongs to.
The former cafe is a reception house. Office now
Grocery store No. 1
At VDNKh a little to the right of the Industrial Square, the main grocery store of the exhibition, deli No. 1, was repainted and cleaned up. Over its half-century history, the building of grocery store No. 1 has changed a number of names: from Glavkonserv and Canned to simply Gastronome. At the same time, he lived to this day, preserving his original appearance and historical function: like 20 years ago, there is a grocery store here. Fortunately, the owners of the pavilion decided not to change anything, the sellers are still working behind the same showcases and counters that have been inherited since Soviet times.
Fountain "Stone Flower"
The Stone Flower fountain is the second most important fountain at VDNKh, after the Friendship of Peoples fountain, created in 1954 by Topuridze's project. The main idea embedded in the artistic appearance of the fountain is abundance, expressed in a rich sculptural design.
The central composition of the fountain is designed in the form of a blossoming flower made of large concrete slabs faced with multicolored smalt. The rest of the parts were faced with fine red granite. With its stepped composition and play of jets, the fountain definitely resembles the Versailles Latona, created in 1670.
Inspired by the works of art of the Ural masters and the 1946 film "Stone Flower" released in 1946 based on the works of P.P. Bazhov, the "Stone Flower" fountain is an outstanding example of Soviet mosaic art. The pool is adorned with bird figures, stucco fruits and gifts from the fields around the perimeter. Water jets also gush from them. All this creates a wonderful joyful scene. The Stone Flower became the world's first light and music fountain. The great Soviet composer Shostakovich wrote The Festive Overture especially for him.
The chief architect of VDNKh AF Zhukov noted: "Its" fantastic flower growing from crystals and gems harmoniously combines with the magnificent pavilions surrounding it. The fountain scatters many water jets; bronze and cast-iron fish and birds "splash" in the pool. scenario "fountains are enchanting".
Anyone who comes to the fountain one day can turn their attention to the preserved bronze geese, as if perched on small banks. The bronze sculptures were made by the sculptors Z. V. Ryleeva and Alexandrova-Roslavleva. The best masters of the USSR Academy of Arts worked on the mosaic facing, actively involved in the design of a number of other pavilions of the exhibition.
Exhibition South Entrance
Built in 1954 by architects V. Voskresensky, G. Lebedev, D. Oltarzhevsky. Modeler P. Gribkov. Monument of history and culture of national importance. This expressive structure is stylistically close to the traditions of Palladianism. The monumental portico is combined with an arch overlooking the Exhibition grounds. Embodying the idea of the triumph of collective farm agriculture, the arch of the South Entrance is crowned with the sculptural composition "Abundance" with the emblem of the USSR raised high. The frieze of the arch is still decorated with medallions depicting awards of the participants of the All-Union Agricultural Exhibition - VDNKh.
Fountain "Golden Ear"
In the center of pond No. 3, in the middle of the extensive dam zone of the Exhibition, there is the third largest fountain "Golden Ear" with two powerful pumps that allowed 66 jets to rise simultaneously, 30 of which reached 25 meters! The nozzles are located in the golden grains of the spike in the form of its tendrils. The fountain's symbolism is obvious, because since ancient times, ears of corn have meant rebirth, life, harvest and fertility.
New "Kolos", in a large-scale reconstruction of the 1950-1954s. was a justified decision due to the changed scale of the exhibition facilities and the technical condition of the former fountain. The new fountain in the form of a giant spike has risen to a height of 16 meters like a "triumphal column" of socialist agriculture.
Interesting fact: During the celebration of Midsummer Night's Dream 2015, the "Golden Ear" fountain towering on the pond - a symbol of fertility in Soviet times - became the object of a light show on the night of July 18-19, 2015.
The sculpture of the "Golden Ear", like a portal to another dimension, shimmered with all the colors of the rainbow, and when a ball of water filled with a rainbow rose from the pond next to the "Ear", northern lights, clouds and stardust, all the guests finally went to a parallel world.
Church-chapel of St. Basil the Great
The chapel-temple bears the name of St. Basil the Great, who lived in the 4th century AD. NS. He began to bear the name Great during his lifetime, as he was "a scientist in the twelve sciences." During the consecration of the chapel, Patriarch Alexy II explained that VDNKh has always glorified everything new and progressive, both in science and in the national economy, therefore St. Basil the Great will help the exhibition team in continuing this path. The temple was built in 2001, reconstructed in 2011. Its construction became possible thanks to donations from the employees and guests of the Exhibition. Regular services are held in the chapel-church, everyone can confess, be baptized, and get married.
Green theater
The building of the Green Theater - the same age as VDNKh - over the years of its existence has overgrown with a thick ivy of mystical stories: a mysterious white dog-Cerberus, ghosts of fortune-tellers and lost manuscripts - which only the imagination of a Soviet person did not give birth to, looking at a luxurious building buried in greenery. Indeed, the semicircular amphitheater reproduces the forms of the French chateau, thanks to which the Green Theater was dubbed the Soviet "Versailles". Once upon a time, the Pyatnitsky Choir, the jazz band of Leonid Utesov, then the beginning singer Joseph Kobzon and other masters of the Soviet stage, the TsDDZ Ensemble under the leadership of I.O. Dunaevsky, the Igor Moiseyev Folk Dance Ensemble, the Moscow Operetta Theater, opera and ballet artists of the USSR Bolshoi Theater, the USSR State Symphony Orchestra, the Alexandrov Red Banner Ensemble ... The open-air auditorium could accommodate up to 5 thousand people. Years passed, and the Green Theater was undeservedly forgotten, it was dilapidated and destroyed, arousing the indignation of Muscovites who preserved it in their memory. best years.
Now the theater is undergoing careful restoration work. It is planned to restore as much as possible the historical volumetric-spatial structure of the building and preserve its original elements. After the restoration work, the Green Theater will become very convenient for both artists and spectators.
Moskvarium at VDNKh
Officially, this institution is called the Oceanarium Center for Oceanography and Marine Biology, the opening of which aroused great interest among residents the Russian capital and her guests were housed in a giant unique building.
Temple of the Life-Giving Trinity
Ostankino Television Technical Center
View of the Ostankino tower from the park
New life of VDNKh
On the territory of VDNKh there are 50 cultural heritage sites, most of which will be restored in the coming years. Large-scale restoration work began in 2014, when the country's main exhibition was handed over to the Moscow Government. Prior to that, the historical pavilions had been rented out for retail outlets and warehouses for a long time.
The restoration work turned into unexpected finds. In the central hall of Pavilion No. 1 “Central”, for example, decorative arches were hidden under a layer of plaster, and in the next hall there are paintings forgotten for several decades. In this building, the high relief of Evgeny Vuchetich was discovered "To the standard bearer of peace, to the Soviet people - glory!" (1954) and a painting by Alexander Gerasimov in 1953.
Last year, work began on the restoration of the green parterres of the central alley of VDNKh. They are being restored in the form in which they were created in 1954-1958. This year, the restoration of 29 objects and monuments will begin, including the largest objects of the exhibition. Work will start at 17 fountains at VDNKh, including Friendship of Peoples, Stone Flower and Golden Ear. Their architectural elements and engineering infrastructure, which have fallen into disrepair for more than sixty years, will be restored.
This summer, restoration work will cover the entire central part VDNKh. They are scheduled to be completed by early summer 2018. By the same time, the arches of two more entrances to the territory - Central and South - will be restored.
All projects for the restoration of architectural monuments undergo an independent examination. The historical appearance of pavilions, arches and fountains is carefully restored by leading experts in the field of restoration of cultural heritage sites. After the completion of the work, modern museums and exhibitions will be opened in the restored pavilions.
At the moment I am simply amazed at the scale with which this exhibition was built. Thousands of the best masters from various countries tried to show their best skills, which still admire many today. I really hope that the reconstruction planned by the leadership of VDNKh for the near future will preserve all this beauty for our future children and grandchildren.
Photos are not mine. Many thanks for the material to this post GALINA, VDNKh website, vladislaw.leonenkov, smileplanet.ru
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The largest entertainment and educational complex in Russia - VDNKh is located in the north-east of Moscow. Every day it attracts several thousand Muscovites and city guests. The exhibition is represented by pavilions and fountains built in the pre-war Soviet era, located along wide asphalt alleys. There are also more modern structures dedicated to space, energy and cybernetics. 49 buildings are recognized as architectural masterpieces and cultural heritage monuments. The exhibitions are of interest to people of all ages. The complex is harmonious - with park areas and reservoirs, there is a relaxing atmosphere and fresh air.
Only at VDNKh you can see a copy of Yuri Gagarin's spacecraft, the first passenger aircraft and a real powerhouse.
History of VDNKh
The exhibition was opened in 1939 and served as an advertising postcard of the victorious socialism - in the complex of numerous pavilions the "achievements" of the socialist industry, which by and large existed only on its territory, were demonstrated.
During the Soviet era, citizens of the country flocked to VDNKh to see the abundance they missed: quality food, obese animals and modern technology. Each pavilion represented one of the 15 republics of the USSR or a branch of the national economy, and in the center there was a pavilion Russian Federation and the "Friendship of Peoples" fountain with golden sculptures of their representatives in national costumes. In the 90s. the buildings were taken over by merchants, and the exhibition turned into a large marketplace and fell into disrepair for several years.
75 years of VDNKh
What to see
VDNKh is a series of trade and view pavilions in which they work permanent exhibitions, concerts and literary evenings are held. Various branches of the national economy are represented here: light industry, transport, animal husbandry, floriculture. Many educational sites, exhibitions and museums have been opened. Among the most interesting are the country's largest oceanarium, a city farm, a fishing village, an amusement park with a huge Ferris wheel, a rose garden, a reading room, and a green theater.
Astronautics lovers are curious to get into the interactive museum, located inside the layout of the legendary spaceship "Buran", watch a movie about it and even conduct its virtual landing at the cosmodrome.
In winter, a large skating rink is flooded at VDNKh, in summer, young and old people ride bicycles on the roads, climb rope park, play table tennis or badminton, sit with a book in the reading room of a chess club, taste fragrant honey or dine in a cafe. The Botanical Garden adjoins the exhibition area, where it is very pleasant to walk.
The complex offers rental bicycles, rollerblades, scooters and gyro scooters.
Practical information
Main entrance address: Moscow, Prospect Mira, 121. Website.
Travel by metro to VDNKh station.
Opening hours: from 8:00 to 21:00 daily. The entrance to the territory is free, travel and parking are paid. You can get around on foot or by internal minibuses. Sightseeing tours are held.
