VDNKh (exhibition), Moscow

Some of the more distinctive hotels in Moscow are Ukraina, National, Moscow, Renaissance & Cosmos.

Aside from its architectural design, its size is a main distinctive feature. HUGE!!!

You've seen earlier the Stalinist-Gothic style of Ukraina Hotel.

The Cosmos (Space) hotel was where our group stayed in. Today, it's not an ultra fanciful hotel if you've frequented Las Vegas. However, its size is comparable to those from Vegas. Considered it was built in the 70s, it's quite something. With 3600 rooms & a casino, Cosmos was built by Russian & French architects around 1976-79. It's located in Mira (Peace) Prospect.

This is another classic examples of Soviet architecture from the 30s-50s period. The present Exhibition Complex is the former Exhibition of National Economic Achievements (ie VDNKh).

The monument "Worker & Collective-farm Woman" standing in front of the main entrance is one that expressed the once Soviet ideal.

Unfortunately, I didn't get to see the 2 fountains "Friendship of the Peoples" & "Stone Flower".

Why? 'coz I only caught a glimpse of this place from my hotel window!!! We were staying around its vicinity, at the Cosmos!!! ;-)

The All Russian Exhibition Centre (VVC) was opened in 1959 and was originally opened to display exhibitions about all the Soviet states (Ukraine, Georgia, Azerbaijan etc).

Today, it is the largest and most frequently visited place in Moscow.

The website is only in Russian but I've linked to the photos page so you can see what the place is like at it's best.

I have always been fascinated by the space race, so it was really exciting seeing the Cosmonaut museum in Moscow. The building is a magnificent piece of architecture recreating Vostok 1's launch into the stratosphere. Inside I have to admit I was disappointed by the small size of the museum, although the displays, models and memorabilia are very good, there is nothing in English, except for one short badly dubbed documentary. Still, a must see for a space enthusiast

If you are going to the VDNKh / VVT then go to the Space Musuem. Its only 20 rubles to get in and you can wear a replica of Iuri Gagarin's space suit - which is a laugh for about 2 minutes!

Its a very basic and small musuem - everything is in Russian and don't go expecting amazing multi-media stuff (like the London Science Musuem), but if you understand a smattering of Russian or are extremely knowledgeable about the Soviet Space programme then knock yourself out and visit the place.

This is a massive park built by Krushchev, I believe, in order to wow Nixon on his official state visit to Russia of the technological prowess of the Soviets.

The space museum is there with a huge 100-metre high statue with a rocket on the end of it. I tried to climb it but slid off all the time!

The park had various Soviet rockets and airplanes and has beautiful gardens with fountains. Loads of people hang out there and it is easy to just chat to people and make friends with Russians. There are market stalls selling souvenirs too.

You have to go and see the 'All Russian Exibition Centre' (VDNKh)!
It is very strange and somehow typical for today's Russia. It was build by Stalin to represent all Russian republics and the most favourite sciences. It is fantastically huge and great - or better: it was. After the revolution in the 90's nobody saw any sense in it anymore and they thought about what to do with it. Well, they rented it to businesses. Now in every temple there is something on sale. See my travellogue about it for more pics.

This former Exhibition of Economic Achievement was at one time a permanent World Expo of the great glories of Soviet--and particularly Stalinist--rule. It began in 1939 as the All-Union Agricultural Exposition, a celebration of the fruits of Stalinist progress, and many of its most grandiose elements date from that period.