In 2019 VDNKh, one of the largest Moscow parks, celebrates its 80th anniversary. Just in time for the celebration VDNKh managed to finish the majority of renovation works that had been going on for a few years.
VDNKh stands for “Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy” and it's a must-see for all Soviet architecture lovers. It is not just a park, it’s a whole architectural complex with more than fifty pavilions and a mix of diverse styles: from Stalinist Empire to Soviet modernism.The pavilions are devoted to many different industries as well as former Soviet Union republics.
During the reconstruction over the last few years the pavilions were carefully restored, the main entrance was cleared of parked cars and the park became more comfortable to visit. As a result in the past three years the total number of visitors to VDNKh exceeded 25 million per year.
Both the Central Pavilion and the Space Pavilion got a complete facelift and the latter now houses the largest space museum in Russia with a cafeteria that offers real “space” food. The renovated Armenia Pavilion now works as an outpost of the famous restaurant Ararat, serving delicious fare from this South Caucasus country. The Karelian Pavilion with its unique carved wood facade hosts regular exhibitions.
The Golden Spike fountain (Zolotoy Kolos in Russian) works again for the first time in almost thirty years. The mosaics and sculptures of the Stone Flower fountain meant to represent precious stones of the Urals mountains were renovated this spring and it has already become a major attraction.
Some of the previously restricted, under construction areas have become accessible, too. The renovation of Landscape Park along the picturesque ponds in VDNKh’s further reaches is well on its way. The effort is headed by the famous French architect and designer Michel Pena. You can now walk around the ponds on a wooden boardwalk or sunbathe on a brand new beach. Or, even better, rent a bike and ride around the whole of VDNKh Park to spot all the changes.
Words: Andrei Muchnik
