VDNKh, which in Russian stands for Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy, is located in the north of Moscow, in Ostankino. The unique appearance of this once All-Union Exhibition formed for decades. The exhibition opened its doors on the 1st of August of 1935, under the name of the All-Union Agricultural Exhibition.
At its prime, the exhibition, a city of its own, had 136 hectares of large parks, ponds, pavilions and a variety of farm buildings, totaling 250 large and small facilities. Getting in through the main entrance arch the visitors will find themselves at a broad avenue which leads to the central pavilion. Nearby you had one of the most memorable features of the exhibition, a 52-meter tower topped by a 13-meter statue of “The Worker and Kolkhoz Woman”, holding the legendary “hammer and sickle” over their heads. The sculpture remains a key attraction to this day, but now adorns the recently build “big constructive pavilion”.
During the 1960-1980-s, VDNKh showcased all of the scientific and industrial achievements of the USSR. It was a place that hosted international exhibitions and fairs. Bypassing the whole territory in one single day was impossible: the length of the alleys rounded 65 km in total, while tourists were taken through the exhibition by bus. In the summer the whole area gracefully transformed into a huge garden offering visitors different attractions, a dance terrace, an open air theater, and even two summer cinemas. During the winter the guests could go skiing on an authentic Russian troika.
Nowadays VDNKh is truly a mix of times and eras: old Soviet pavilions and stalls reminiscing the 90s cohabit with contemporary exhibitions and big city festivals.
VDNKh is also home of more than 20 museums and popular science-centers for both children and adults.
