Today, each metropolitan area has its own attractions - museums, parks or exhibition complexes. To get acquainted with modern art, to travel in time or just enjoy a walk in the forest - sometimes we just need to take a break from the hustle and bustle.
The city also has places for which Muscovites overcome kilometers of traffic jams. In our review, we will focus on a magnificent complex, the fame of which once boomed throughout the country. History, the results of the reconstruction and the most interesting places - we will tell you what to see at VDNH in Moscow today.
VSHV - ENEA
The All-Union Agricultural Exhibition is the first name of the complex, which opened in 1939. During the war, the library and exposition were evacuated to Chelyabinsk.
Five years after the victory over Germany, they decided to reconstruct, and only in 1954 a grand opening took place with a new name already familiar to us - the Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy.
The Soviet man never had a question what to look at VDNH. The main pavilion housed an exposition dedicated to the art of socialist realism, the achievements of culture and science, as well as technical innovations.
In the many pavilions at the very beginning, the territories and republics of the USSR were presented, then they decided to organize the exhibition according to the industry principle and clearly show various areas of the national economy.
90s
From the moment of the second opening and until the 90s, several reconstructions were carried out on the territory of the complex, but none of them benefited VDNH. In the 90s, the situation became even more deplorable.
The preserved pavilions were easily leased for retail outlets and just warehouses. Barbecue houses were literally open at every corner, sweets were sold, and an amusement park delighted Muscovites at the entrance - no one controlled all this activity, and the territory where national achievements had been demonstrated earlier turned into a rather dubious place. People did not think about what to look at VDNH, the answer was obvious.
Only after the Moscow government became the sole owner two years ago did the situation become clear. Tents and stalls, advertising structures, verandas, illegal extensions - about 300 objects were demolished. Rich history pavilions were finally freed from trade.
Clear-out, restoration of buildings and fountains, design of a pedestrian zone and bicycle paths, organization of permanent expositions - today Muscovites and guests of the capital really have something to see at VDNKh.
As you know, it is much easier to interest an adult than a child. The history of the exhibition complex is unlikely to captivate your children, and they will not understand the value of facades with stucco moldings and bas-reliefs. We will talk about the most interesting places in the complex.
Visitors are advised to plan a trip for the whole day, because it’s definitely not possible to watch all the expositions and interactive shows with a child at VDNKh in a few hours.
Space
The first association when we hear: “ENEA” is space. The hotel of the same name opposite the complex, a magnificent monument to space explorers and, of course, a museum.
Four years after the opening of the monument, the Central Committee of the CPSU decided to organize a Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics. Due to structural problems, construction work was carried out over the next twelve years. The opening of the museum took place on April 10, 1981. From 2006 to 2009, reconstruction was carried out.
The exposition includes a mock-up of a fragment of the Mir station (life-size), a flight control center, astronaut equipment, ship models, simulators, and even tube food.
Workshops and educational studios are organized at the museum for school-age children. Design Bureau “Vostok”, the theater studio “Milky Way” and the club “Space Squad” - the projects are supervised by young engineers, graduates of the best technical universities.
Buran
The legendary orbiter Buran has long been one of the attractions of the park named after Gorky. After the reconstruction in 2011, it was decided to transfer it to the territory of VDNH. Today “Buran” is the heart of the interactive museum complex of the same name, which is located next to Pavilion No. 20.
Still not sure what's interesting to see at VDNH? On an excursion to the Buran Museum in a cozy cinema hall, you will get acquainted with the history of the creation of a rocket plane and walk along the corridors resembling an aircraft. However, the most unforgettable experience will be a visit to the bow of the Buran itself and the opportunity to board the ship at the Baikonur Cosmodrome.
For the youngest guests of the complex, a children's playground with a safe surface was recently equipped next to the museum. A small model of our planet, an artificial Earth satellite, space vehicles and other elements made of wood are intended for visitors from 3 to 12 years old.
City farm
In 1954, the pavilion "Rabbit breeding" was opened on the territory of VDNH. Nearby were enclosures where fur animals were kept. During the reconstruction of the exhibition complex, it was decided to revive this idea in the framework of the project “City Farm”.
If you do not know what you can see at VDNH for children, then be sure to look into this family educational center. The area near the Kamenka River and one of the cascading ponds is ideal for animals. However, the decision to open the contact mini-zoo was not limited to.
On an area of approximately 3 hectares, there is an orchard, a public garden, pottery workshops, a cafe, a relaxation area and a greenhouse. Despite this diversity, the main place is still small pavilions with livestock - rabbitry, chicken coop, dovecote and corrals for large animals. During exciting activities, adults and children will learn all about the inhabitants of the “City Farm” and will even be able to cook food for them under the supervision of specialists.
Museum of Animation
Modern children just love to watch cartoons, but young parents should carefully approach the choice and, of course, limit the duration of the sessions. Too bright animation and sounds can adversely affect the baby. The right animated films - that’s what you can watch at ENEA!
Thanks to the efforts of directors and directors of Soyuzmultfilm, unique exhibits were gathered under one roof. Magic lamp “Zootrop” (shows moving pictures), a frame-by-frame apparatus, original documents and draft drawings - all this influenced the formation of the domestic animation industry.
The first thing visitors see is a Cheburashka phone box. Inside are the painted and puppet characters familiar to us from childhood.
Walt Disney studio also did not stand aside, and the museum's collection was supplemented by exhibits from America.
Moscowrium
Want to know more about the Oceanarium at VDNKh - what to see and how much does the entrance ticket cost? Recently, the Moskvarium, a center of oceanography and marine biology, has appeared on the territory of the complex.
The aquarium covers an area of 12,000 square meters. m, where 80 unique pools and aquariums are installed. More than 8,000 animals and 500 species of fish - freshwater and marine fauna of Greenland, Lake Baikal, Kamchatka, the Great Career Reef, Galapagos Islands and other parts of our planet are represented here. For children there is an interactive zone and a touch pool with stingrays, carps and starfish.
The auditorium is designed for 2300 seats. It is planned to conduct not only large-scale shows with three-dimensional projections, performances of dolphins, pinnipeds and belugas, but also training programs.
In 2016, visitors to the Moskvarium will have the opportunity to swim with dolphins. Laura, Catherine, Diva, Bosya and other dolphins will be happy to keep you company in one of the seven equipped pools. An incredible charge of energy and amazing emotions are guaranteed to all guests.
The cost of visiting is 400-600 rubles for children and 600-1000 rubles for adults, depending on the day and time.
Equestrian center
Do not know what to look at VDNH? In the sheep breeding pavilion (No. 48) there is an equestrian center where you can not just ride ponies, donkeys and horses. Here, experienced trainers will also reveal to you all the secrets of equestrian sports.
Dressage, show jumping, horseback riding and triathlon classes - riding lessons are available to everyone. In addition to skiing, the center organizes excursions to the saddlery and stables, as well as workshops on archery and felling of vines.
To walk
Ferris wheel, bike paths and open verandas - in summer you can have a great weekend at VDNH. At the end of November, the main skating rink of the country with a total area of 20,000 square meters will open on the territory of the complex. A skating rink is provided for little skaters, there is a room for mother and child and a cafe.
There is a food court and a pavilion with storage rooms for those who come with their own skates in the skating rink infrastructure. You can take lessons from experienced instructors where you will learn the correct glide, as well as basic spins and steps.