With the onset of winter, the streets of Moscow are transformed every time. On New Year's Eve 2021, millions of bright lights were turned on again at VDNKh, the largest skating rink in the capital opened, and new excursions began. Due to the restrictions introduced, no mass celebrations are planned on New Year's Eve. But on December 31, and throughout the New Year holidays, every guest - young and old - will be able to find entertainment to their liking at the Main Exhibition of the country, and fabulous illumination and musical accompaniment will allow them to experience the holiday to the fullest.
A little history
The idea of creating an exhibition representing the achievements of the economy of the Soviet country came in the late 30s of the 20th century. The young state, strengthened after difficult years of war and formation, wanted to show the whole world what it had achieved. The opening of VSKhV (that is what VDNKh was originally called) took place in August 1939. At that time, the unique exhibition center had more than 50 pavilions.
VDNH
During the war, the exhibition was practically closed: animals and valuable exhibits were evacuated, and production workshops were set up in many pavilions.
An intelligence school was created on the territory of the exhibition, where specialists were trained for the front (it worked in the current Wedding Palace.
In the early 50s, VDNKh again acquired the status of an All-Russian exhibition. New pavilions of the Union republics and fountains became decorations. Subsequently, many pavilions began to demonstrate not only the achievements of livestock breeding and agriculture, but also consumer goods, which aroused extraordinary interest - exhibitions of goods and equipment from other countries were organized.
Gradually, the exhibition complex lost its significance, the demonstration of many achievements of the national economy became museum exhibits, the appearance and functionality did not attract visitors.
In the last decade, a decision was made to reconstruct VDNKh: pavilions equipped with the latest technology, museums, and centers for creativity and development were opened. Currently, VDNKh has become an interesting holiday destination for Muscovites and city guests.
The most unique
But, even if none of the above has attracted you, the All-Russian Exhibition Center will find something to surprise you with:
- Model of Moscow on a scale of 1:400: work on it began back in 1976 and continued for 10 years. It has been updated regularly and is today reopened to the public at the pav. No. 75.
- Food Festival: takes place in the pav. No. 19. Chef performances, culinary shows are held here, and cuisines of different nations are presented.
- Summer reading room: in the warm season, the All-Russian Exhibition Center offers everyone books from the open library and a couch.
- Interactive museum "Buran" next to pavilion No. 20 : everyone can see a model of the legendary spaceship "Buran BTS-001". In addition to the educational film, visitors can try their hand at piloting a ship and landing it.
- Museum of Optical Illusions: the perfect place to take unique and incredible photos. Descriptions will be powerless to tell about its merits.
- All-round panorama: despite the fact that little remains of its former grandeur, it is still worth a visit. Special visual films are shown in a circle from all sides, that is, the viewing angle is 360 degrees.
- Upside-down house: the most ordinary house will appear to visitors in a new light - upside down.
As part of the renovation of the All-Russian Exhibition Center in Moscow, an upside-down house was built. The opening took place on January 9, 2014.
All-Russian Exhibition Center is a unique holiday destination that the whole family will enjoy. Even a simple sightseeing walk will leave an unforgettable impression on all family members.
To make the walk as complete as possible, you should look at the schedule of exhibitions and expositions on the official website of the All-Russian Exhibition Center, see pictures of what is coming, as well as find out the exact address and look at maps and passage diagrams so as not to get lost.
Entrance to the All-Russian Exhibition Center is free, but due to the vast territory, a guide may be required.
Watch the video in which a visitor talks about the most photographed attractions, fascinating labyrinths, unusual museums and tropical butterflies at VDNKh:
Pavilion 13 “Museum of the Roerich Family”
The exhibition “Museum of the Roerich Family” is open here. Visitors can see paintings by Nicholas Roerich, including works dating back to the early period of his work, Himalayan landscapes and paintings representing Gospel scenes.
Pavilion 13
We recommend not only viewing the paintings, but also going to the museum as part of a tour group or with an audio guide. This will allow you not only to enjoy the paintings, but also to learn a lot about the life and work of the artist.
The museum presents unique documents telling about the creation of paintings and the choice of subjects.
Ticket price: 150-300 rubles, children under 16 years old are free, excursion services are paid separately. Opening hours: Tue., Fri., Sat., Sun. from 11.00 to 20.00, Wed., Thu. – from 12.00 to 21.00, Monday-closed.
"A little prince. New Year's Adventures"
Venue: Museum of Cosmonautics, Mira Avenue, 111, VDNKh. Dates: the event has passed Prices: from 1,700 rubles
The Museum of Cosmonautics invites children and parents to a wonderful family performance at VDNKh. The tale, which tells about the difficult adventures of a little boy and his friends on New Year's Eve, will touch the hearts of viewers to the core. Children's New Year's show 2020 “The Little Prince. Flight through the Universe" is an educational space story about true friendship that will impress both children and adults. Hurry up to buy tickets for the New Year tree at VDNKh 2021 and receive an unusual themed gift from the Museum of Cosmonautics with each ticket - a visit to the exhibition of the Museum of Cosmonautics before or after the performance.
Pavilion 57. “Russia. My history"
One of the most interesting pavilions, which houses a historical multimedia park. Several exhibitions dedicated to different periods of Russian history, unique exhibits and documents will allow visitors to learn about royal fashion and etiquette of that time, see weapons and household items. light projections and sound design of many exhibits make a visit to the complex bright and memorable.
Pavilion 57
There is a free cinema in the hall of the pavilion where you can watch historical films.
The center's exposition includes temporary exhibitions, which can be visited separately.
Ticket price: 200-500 rubles, children under 16 years old - free, excursion services and entrance to individual exhibitions are paid separately. Opening hours: from 10.00. until 21.00, closed on Monday.
Historical walk
For history buffs, even a simple walk around the center will be an excellent excursion: many pavilions have still retained their appearance, and the reconstruction has benefited them. Just look at the entrances - Main, South and North.
Northern entrance. From 1939 to 1954 this arch was the main entrance to the All-Russian Agricultural Exhibition
Please note : The northern entrance was built back in the 40s and was the main entrance of the All-Russian Agricultural Exhibition.
Also worth a look are the fountains:
- “Alley of Fountains” - 14 small fountains stretch immediately from the main entrance.
- “Friendship of the Peoples of the USSR” is a symbol of the entire VDNKh, and for many, the Soviet Union. 16 representatives of the union republics, each with a symbol of its region.
- "Stone Flower" - located on Collective Farms Square and made according to Bazhov’s “Ural Tales”.
The “Stone Flower” fountain is the first water-jet structure to use light and music technology
- “Ear” - represents a gilded ear of wheat. It is well preserved, but does not function as a fountain. It was named after the nearby Golden Ear restaurant.
But it’s very difficult to identify areas that everyone needs to see. All of them are built according to individual projects and have a unique appearance that reflects their main essence.
For example, “Young Naturalists” has a transparent dome, “Culture” is decorated with carved ornaments and stained glass windows, and “Radio Engineering”, on the contrary, looks strict and futuristic.
Don’t forget about the rocket with the plane, as well as the statue “Worker and Collective Farm Woman”.
Pavilion 32-34 "Space"
The pavilion was opened after reconstruction quite recently and is a unique exhibition center dedicated to cosmonautics and aviation. The center's exhibits include real aircraft, complex mechanisms, documents and drawings telling about the development of this branch of science and technology.
Pavilion 32-34
For those who prefer to learn the history of the development of cosmonautics and aviation in a special format, the pavilion has a state-of-the-art cinema where films are shown in 5D format.
Children will also find it interesting to visit this exhibition center: real models of aircraft, reminiscent of cosmonaut training simulators, will make you feel like a real space conqueror. The pavilion building itself, decorated with unique bas-reliefs and sculptural compositions, is also worthy of attention.
Ticket price: 500 rubles, reduced price 250. Opening hours: from 11.00. until 21.00, closed on Monday. The visit is regulated by cinema sessions.
For the most curious
The exhibition center has several permanent museum exhibitions that you can visit:
- Museum "Field of Miracles": all the gifts ever received by Leonid Yakubovich are exhibited there. It will be of interest to adults who grew up watching this show.
- House of butterflies, exotic birds and cats: representatives of the above fauna.
Butterfly House. On an area of 300 sq.m. An open exhibition of exotic live butterflies from the countries of Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America is presented. Butterflies are in free flight and sometimes land on visitors.
- Shark House, Dolphinarium and Moskvarium: the latter is an exhibition of sea creatures.
- “Smart City” and “Robostation”: demonstration of information technologies.
- “Russia is my history”: exhibitions dedicated to Russian history.
- “Russia does it itself”: scientific discoveries to which Russian and Soviet scientists had a hand.
- The center also offers to visit the exhibitions of the Polytechnic Museum, the Museum of Oriental Art and many others.
It is important to know: the above exhibitions are constantly working, in addition to them new ones are opened regularly.
Pavilion 55 “Museum of Optical Illusions”
One of the most visited pavilions at VDNKh. Here you can safely be transported to any reality: the exhibits on display are masterfully executed illusions that will be interesting to see for both adults and children. Is it possible to imagine a journey inside a person? But in the Museum of Illusions, you can. A real labyrinth will tell you how a person works, what organs are responsible for what. The exhibits in this part of the exhibition, which closely resemble real organs, will even demonstrate how much human skin weighs or how hair grows.
Pavilion "Optical Illusions"
Usually children look with interest at everything that is located inside a person, but it is still better for overly impressionable children to visit this part of the museum accompanied by their parents.
The giant's house is several rooms with incredibly huge objects: dishes, furniture, toys, even food. If you are not afraid of getting lost, try to get out of the glass labyrinth - believe me, it is not so easy. Having overcome the glass labyrinth, get ready for a more difficult test - the mirror labyrinth.
All visitors to the labyrinth are required to be given gloves to avoid staining the glass.
There is also a small living area with butterflies and lizards. The most interesting part of the museum is the unique 3D photographs and models. Anyone who remembers to take a camera with them will be able to capture themselves in unusual scenery.
Ticket price: 350 rubles. Opening hours: Mon-Thu from 10.00. until 20.00, Fri-Sun from 10.00. until 21.00.
“Crafts Park”: make colorful candies with your own hands
Park will turn into Father Frost's factory during the winter holidays At the Dymov Ceramics manufactory you can make gifts for loved ones, and at the caramel manufactory you can make multi-colored candies. The glass workshop and school will host classes on stained glass and fusing techniques, and the Fisherman's Village will teach how to fish.
You can find out the cost of classes and register online.
Pavilion 26 “Polytech Museum”
Located in one of the old pavilions of VDNKh, the museum will primarily be of interest to those who are drawn to the exact sciences and strive to comprehend the laws of physics, mechanics, and chemistry.
Pavilion 26
Children under 14 years of age can only visit the museum if accompanied by an adult.
The museum opened at VDNKh after the start of reconstruction of the main Polytechnic Museum in Moscow, subsequently becoming its branch. The museum staff will show how man managed to use the forces of nature and explain in an accessible form the rather complex laws of nuclear physics and nuclear energy. Many of the museum’s exhibits are functioning mini-laboratories, where you can see interesting experiments and even take part in them.
Those who want to learn something more seriously can attend lectures, which are often held here, or contact the existing library at the museum.
The advantage of the museum is its mobility - the exhibitions are constantly updated, and there are temporary exhibitions.
Ticket price: 350-400 rubles, students, schoolchildren - 250 rubles (upon presentation of a document) Opening hours: Tue-Fri. from 11.00. until 19.00. Sat.-Sun. 11.00 to 21.00. Closed on Monday.
New Year's show "Elementary Christmas tree 2.0"
Venue: “Robostation”, VDNKh. Dates: event has passed Price: 1300 rubles
Oh, two professors are quarreling again in the gift laboratory! Will they be able to agree this year on whose gifts are better without ruining the most important holiday of the year? Hurry up to buy tickets for the interactive New Year tree at Robot Station 2021 for your children! After all, “Robostation” promises a most interesting scientific show with bright special effects, fiery robots and a fun paper party after the New Year’s performance at VDNKh. The guys will be fully involved in what is happening on stage and will learn a lot of new things from the field of chemistry and physics.
Buy tickets on ponominalu.ru
Where to go with children at VDNKh
VDNKh is an interesting place not only for adults, but also for children, because the organizers have provided interesting programs for children of different ages.
Where to go with children?
There are many food outlets on the territory, there are playgrounds, recreation areas and sanitary rooms, so staying here as a child will be a useful and enjoyable leisure time. VDNKh hosts various outdoor events: concerts, show programs, interactive games. If you happen to attend one of them, a day spent here will become a holiday.
Skating rink Rocket
Directly in front of the Cosmos pavilion is the Rocket skating rink.
The skating rink is larger than the Tsvetnik skating rink. Here from Friday to Sunday there are animation performances, competitions, competitions, and skating exercises.
This ends the winter route through the City of Winter at VDNKh. Of course, this is not the most complete route in terms of exposure, but you will definitely need 2-3 hours for it. And if you decide to go ice skating, then even more time.
Moskvarium
Moskvarium is a unique place where you can get acquainted with the life of the inhabitants of the seas and oceans from different parts of the world.
Moskvarium
The technical equipment of the aquarium, construction and design allow you to feel not just a spectator, but a researcher observing life in the water. More than 600 species of fish, plants common in the natural habitat, and created conditions make visiting the aquarium interesting and entertaining. The division into natural zones and careful selection of inhabitants will allow guests to get an idea of the habits and behavioral characteristics.
The aquarium is equipped in accordance with all technical and veterinary requirements, so there is no need to worry about safety during your visit.
The water shows held in the Moskvarium will make an unforgettable impression on visitors. The combination of professional training, musical accompaniment, water special effects, and, of course, the performance of the main participants in each performance - animal artists - will appeal to everyone.
Water shows are real productions, performances on the water. Just like in a real theater, the Moskvarium has a poster telling about upcoming premieres and performances that the audience has already liked.
The Moskvarium has a contact pool where visitors can swim with animals - dolphins and seals.
Ticket prices: aquarium - from 400 to 1000 rubles per visitor (depending on age and day of the week), show - from 1100 to 2500 rubles (depending on the place in the hall). Opening hours: daily from 10.00 to 22.00.
Children's Radio Christmas tree "Freckles and Kipyatosha at the School of Wizards"
Venue: Cosmos Hotel, Mira Avenue, 150, VDNKh. Recommended for children from 4 to 8 years old Dates: the event has passed Prices: from 1000 rubles
A New Year's musical performance from Children's Radio at the Cosmos Hotel at VDNKh invites children from 4 to 8 years old to plunge into the fairy-tale world of wizards. Bright decorations, beautiful costumes, fiery dance numbers and pleasant song and musical accompaniment attract children's attention, and the communication of the characters with the audience allows the children to completely immerse themselves in the plot of the fairy tale. The 2021 New Year's performance at VDNKh will be complemented by games with Santa Claus, bright face painting for everyone, creative master classes, round dances around the tree and, of course, sweet gifts (gifts can be purchased additionally, cost 650 rubles). Tickets for the Children's Radio Christmas tree 2021 are already on sale, hurry to purchase!
Theater of Fairy Tales at VDNKh
The unusual Fairy Tale Theater recently opened at VDNKh: instead of the usual fairy-tale characters shown by actors or puppets, animated characters perform here. Little viewers talk with cartoon characters in real time, pass their tests and reveal fairy-tale secrets.
Fairy Tale Theater
The theater's performances will be especially interesting for preschoolers, but older spectators who come with them will also be pleasantly surprised by the technical capabilities and humor of the characters.
Fairy tales can be interactive, and little viewers are the real heroes of all adventures! The theater does not have a traditional auditorium - rather, it is a fairy-tale clearing where spectators sit on comfortable hummocks and ottomans.
The duration of each session is 1 hour. During this time, the children will have time to fight dragons and save the beautiful princess.
Fabulous events begin right at the entrance to the theater: you will be greeted by cheerful buffoons and magic mushrooms, and the bravest visitors will be able to whisper their deepest desires into the ear of the oak tree.
The theater's beautiful photo zones will allow you to take many beautiful pictures as a souvenir of your visit to the Fairy Tale Theater.
All the theater employees are real fairy-tale heroes, so don’t be surprised if the Wolf takes over the clothes in your wardrobe, and a real dragon winks at you from the screens.
The Fairy Tale Theater is located in pavilion 9 (“Young Technicians”) Ticket price: 600 rubles, children under three years old accompanied by an adult without a separate seat are free. Show times: Wed-Thu – 12.30, 14.00, Fri – 14.00, 15.30, 17.00, Sat. — 12.30, 14.00, 15.30, 17.00, 18.30, Sun. - 12.30, 14.00, 15.30, 17.00.
New Year's science show "Interplanetary ship Frost"
Venue: pavilion No. 34 "Space", . Prospekt Mira, 119, VDNKh. Dates: event has passed Price: 1500 rubles
A real scientific show awaits boys and girls from 6 to 12 years old on New Year's holidays 2021 - 2021. Go with us on the interplanetary ship Moroz to cope with tricky tasks, complete an important scientific mission, and become a participant in the launch a real huge Goldberg machine and bring the New Year closer!
A visit to such a New Year's performance 2021 at VDNKh will be an excellent gift for all curious children. Tickets for the New Year are on sale now!
ATTENTION! Entrance tickets must be purchased separately!
Buy tickets on ponominalu.ru
Interactive museum complex "Buran"
The museum is located in a model of an orbital ship, which is an exact copy of a spacecraft that once roamed the expanses of the Universe. Everything in it: equipment, placement of compartments, equipment - gives a true idea of the operation of the aircraft.
Interactive museum complex "Buran"
The interactivity and interesting story of the museum staff will allow you to learn a lot about space exploration, experiments and discoveries in this field of science.
Visiting is only possible as part of excursion groups.
The inspection of the model begins with the cinema hall, located in a separate room located next to the ship. The history of the creation of the aircraft, the contribution of scientists and designers, tests and flights - you will learn about this from the film. The most interesting part of the excursion is examining the model. You can not only see real devices, but also listen to a story about their purpose and operation.
The most curious visitors can safely try real space cuisine, prepared in the same way as for astronauts.
Finally, you will be able to land and see the Earth from the height of the aircraft as it lands.
"Buran" is located near pavilion 20. Ticket prices: adults -500 rubles, children -250 rubles. Opening hours: from 11.00 to 20.00. day off – Monday. Tours depart every 20 minutes and last 45 minutes.
City farm at VDNKh
There is a place at VDNH that can safely be called a corner of wildlife in the center of the capital. Here children can not only see animals, like in a zoo, but also pet them and even feed them. Employees will tell visitors how to properly care for animals and how they live on real farms. You will be able to see goats and rabbits, cows and sheep, raccoons and donkeys, and even ride an exotic alpaca for our breeds.
Urban farm
You can try yourself here as a gardener - for this there is a special greenhouse where garden crops grow.
The urban farm provides special programs for children to attend summer camp.
If you are planning to spend the day with friends, then the city farm at VDNKh will be the most suitable place: exciting quests, horseback riding, master classes and fishing will definitely appeal to everyone who comes here.
There is a cafe on the farm’s territory, the menu of which includes dishes prepared from vegetables and fruits collected on the farm, and animal milk.
A visit to a farm always leaves vivid impressions and long-lasting memories. This is a wonderful place to relax: the territory itself is equipped with comfortable benches and gazebos. Those interested can go boating or just take a walk.
The farm is located near pavilion 44 “Rabbit Breeding” and a pond. Ticket prices: adults - 250-400 rubles, children - 100-350 rubles (depending on the day of the week and the visiting program). The cost of quests and other programs should be found at the box office. Opening hours: Tue.-Fri. from 10.30. until 19.00. Weekends and holidays – 10.30.-20.00. Monday is a sanitary day.
What else has the Slovo Center for Slavic Literature prepared?
The Slovo Center for Slavic Literature (pavilion No. 58) will host interactive excursions, quests and master classes.
Educational walks “Living Word” will begin on January 3, 4, 7 and 8 at 12:00. At the same time, on January 5 and 6, the quest “The Secret of Ancient Tradition” . On January 4 at 14:00 the master class “Christmas Card” - the children will be able to write New Year’s greetings in ligature. At the same time, on January 5, the lesson “Lettering: letter-character” . Primary school students will turn letters into characters from New Year's fairy tales and draw a greeting card.
The master class for older children, from 10 to 13 years old, will begin on January 6 at 14:00. Participants in the Christmas Lettering class will learn how to decorate letters.
In addition, in the center of Slavic writing “Slovo”, schoolchildren from first to seventh grade will be able to participate in the city Olympiad “Museums. Parks. Estates" . The children will get acquainted with the history of the Cyrillic alphabet and the Russian language.
You can sign up for these events on the center's website.
City Equestrian Center at VDNH
The equestrian club operating on the territory of VDNH will allow all visitors to see the beautiful horses that live here in the stables. All animals are in excellent shape and can demonstrate it to guests. Experienced jockeys will show the horses' abilities and their training.
City Equestrian Center
It is recommended to start getting acquainted with the equestrian club with a sightseeing tour: you will learn about different breeds of horses, their living conditions in the center’s stables, and participation in various events. At the equestrian center you can go horseback riding or just ride around the arena.
For those interested, the equestrian center holds classes where you can learn how to stay in the saddle and get acquainted with the basics of horse riding; instructors will conduct rehabilitation classes for people with disabilities.
The youngest visitors to the equestrian center, who still find it difficult to stay in the saddle of an adult horse, can ride donkeys and ponies at the PonyTown pony club, located here. If for some reason you still don’t dare to get into the saddle, don’t worry, you will have something to do at the equestrian center - you are allowed to feed the horses, look after them, and even try to saddle and walk the animals. Meetings with horses at the equestrian center at VDNKh always leave a lot of pleasant impressions on both children and adults.
The center is located in pavilion 48 “Sheep Breeding”. Ticket prices: excursion -250 rubles, horse and pony riding - 300 rubles, individual lessons - 2500 rubles. Opening hours: daily from 10.00 to 21.00.
Curling
Located in an indoor pavilion near the Tsvetnik skating rink. It is apparently designed more for children, because... Curling lanes are quite short. And they are not ice, but plastic, there are no mops with which you need to rub the ice (there is nothing to rub), so this is, rather, children's entertainment.
Robot station at VDNH
If your child is interested in technology or wants to know what robots really are and how they work, be sure to visit the real Robot Station at VDNKh. There are many different machines here, which, to be honest, can hardly be called simply mechanisms, because they operate according to complex programs and are capable of reacting to the most, even unexpected, situations.
VDNH robot station
Do you know what question a smart robot cannot answer? Try it out at the robot station. Do you think robots can't joke? Then listen to a funny story from a representative of the technology world.
For those who prefer not only to watch, but also to actively participate, there are various master classes where children can independently develop mechanisms, program them and see the results of their efforts.
The station is located in pavilion 2 “Public Education”. Ticket price: from 400 rubles (depending on the program). Opening hours: daily from 11.00 to 20.00.
Tubing slide "North"
The tubing hill “North” can be seen if, after the main entrance, you do not go along the central alley, but immediately turn right.
The slide is not very big, mostly small children ride it. Volunteer workers help you get up and remove the cheesecakes themselves.
