Did you know that the first Ferris wheel (at least in the form we are familiar with) appeared in Chicago as a “rival” to the Eiffel Tower itself? It was 1893, the year of the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Engineer George Ferris Jr. then intended to design a structure that would outshine Eiffel's creation. And he succeeded. Even though the 80-meter wheel was shorter than the Parisian giant, it definitely won in technology, creativity and practicality. It is not surprising that subsequently such attractions invariably became the “highlight” of all major amusement parks.
The Ferris wheel is breathtaking and mesmerizing at the same time, and therefore the largest metropolises rarely give up the idea of building a tall attraction on their territory. In Moscow, for a long time, the Wheel named after the 850th anniversary of Moscow, a 73-meter giant, “ruled the ball” until 2021, was located on the territory of modern VDNKh (
Ferris wheel of VDNKh
The tallest wheel in Moscow was built at VDNH at the end of the 20th century, namely in 1996. The height of the wheel at VDNH reached 73 m, which is equal to a 30-story building. It served until 2021, and then was dismantled due to its emergency condition.
The new Ferris wheel at VDNH should be the tallest in both Europe and Russia. The estimated height is 140 meters, while the height of the Ferris wheel in London is 135 m. The future Ferris wheel at VDNH will consist of 30 cabins, each of which will have an air thermoregulation system installed. Before the ride begins, visitors will be shown a film on the built-in screen located in the booth. The attraction time is 25 minutes.
It was planned to open the Ferris wheel at VDNKh in 2018, but the construction process was delayed and it is not yet operational.
Ferris wheel "Moscow-850" where it is and how to get there
The largest Ferris wheel in Moscow is located at the All-Russian Exhibition Center (VDNKh), if you enter from the central entrance, it is on the right. You can get to the All-Russian Exhibition Center by metro (VDNKh metro station) or by monorail (Exhibition Center station). If you are coming by car, you can park your car near the entrance to the All-Russian Exhibition Center - but the parking there is always full, next to the big pink shopping center or on the neighboring streets. We most often park on 1st Ostankino or 2nd Ostankinskaya streets and enter the All-Russian Exhibition Center through the side entrance.
Ferris wheel in Izmailovsky Park
Izmailovsky Park has two Ferris wheels. The larger Ferris wheel in Izmailovsky Park was installed in the mid-20th century (1957). It was built specifically for the Youth Day. After the Devil's Wheel was dismantled at VDNKh, in this park it became the tallest in Moscow and the region. Its height reaches 50 m, and the time of full rotation is about 8 minutes. The attraction can accommodate 160 people in 40 cabins at a time.
There is also a small wheel in the same park. Its height reaches 30 m and is intended primarily for children. Closed until spring for scheduled work. It is located in the northern part of Izmailovsky Park.
Prices for the Ferris wheel in Izmailovo
| Adults | 150 rub. |
| Children under 7 years old | 50 rub. |
Children under 14 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
Operating hours of the Ferris wheel in Izmailovsky Park
| Mon. | 11:00 — 21:00 |
| Tue | 11:00 — 21:00 |
| Wed. | 11:00 — 21:00 |
| Thurs. | 11:00 — 21:00 |
| Fri. | 11:00 — 21:00 |
| Sat. | 11:00 — 21:00 |
| Sun. | 11:00 — 21:00 |
The schedule is valid only in summer. In winter the wheel does not work.
How to get to the Ferris wheel?
The attraction is located in the central part of Izmailovsky Park at the address: Moscow, Narodny Avenue 17 A
| Can be reached from: | |
| m. Partizanskaya | 7, 131 (stop. Izmailovsky Park) |
| m. Semenovskaya | 11 |
Residents of Ostankino demand to stop the construction of a giant Ferris wheel at VDNKh
Residents and municipal deputies of the Ostankino district of Moscow on Friday came out to protest against the construction of Europe's tallest Ferris wheel at VDNKh. “There are no precedents in the world for the construction of a Ferris wheel close to a residential building, but here we decided to conduct such an experiment,” municipal deputy Sergei Tsukasov explained the reason for the dissatisfaction. The press service of the developer, Regions Group of Companies, did not respond to Kommersant’s request to comment on the situation. Moscow City Duma deputy Sergei Mitrokhin said that he intends to discuss the problem in the capital's parliament.
At the end of September, the capital authorities issued permission for the construction of a Ferris wheel almost 140 m high in the southern part of VDNKh. This is almost twice the height of the old Ferris wheel, which was a gift to the city for its 850th anniversary from the previous leadership of the mayor's office. The old attraction was located in the northern part of VDNKh at a considerable distance from residential buildings. In the summer of 2021, the wheel was dismantled: an examination revealed serious technical problems and the impossibility of further operation.
The struggle of local residents against the construction of the tallest Ferris wheel in Europe has been going on for several years. The corresponding petition on the Internet was signed by 1.8 thousand people.
On Friday, trees began to be cut down for future construction; several dozen local residents and municipal deputies came to stop these actions.
“We protested and stopped the felling; there were no documents for it,” municipal deputy of the Ostankino district Sergei Tsukasov told a Kommersant correspondent. “Our dissatisfaction is due to the fact that the Ferris wheel will be three times higher than the one next to it, less than 100 m away 16 -storey building. There are no precedents in the world for the construction of a Ferris wheel close to a residential building, but here we decided to conduct such an experiment.” According to Mr. Tsukasov, residents are threatened with construction right under their windows with the digging of colossal foundations on soils with quicksand and karst voids, which is known from the results of earlier examinations.
Previously, this territory of VDNKh was used for household needs. “We want the wheel to be built either at another point at VDNKh, or in another area of Moscow, away from residential buildings. Local residents want to see a forest and a quiet area from their window, and not a year-round celebration of life,” the deputy noted. He clarified that the protesters intend to seek a meeting with the city leadership. In addition, on October 20, a “people’s gathering” of local residents dedicated to resistance to the construction will take place in the district.
The press service of VDNKh told Kommersant that the territory on which the wheel is being built belongs to the city; the plot of 3.5 hectares is under long-term lease for 49 years from an investor.
“Nevertheless, VDNH is closely monitoring what is happening in the neighborhood. Representatives of the exhibition take part in all meetings of the working group on the construction of the Ferris wheel with the participation of residents and activists,” the press service clarified.
How Kuntsevo residents protest against construction projects
Let us remind you that the construction of the attraction is being carried out by Koleso-VDNKh LLC, part of the Regions Group of Companies. According to the project, a multi-level shopping and entertainment complex with restaurants, a cinema, shops, etc. will be adjacent to the Ferris wheel. In 2021, the RBC newspaper published an investigation by the Anti-Corruption Policy Center (ACP) of Yabloko, which at that time was headed by Sergei Mitrokhin. For the first time, the name of the investor of the future Ferris wheel was mentioned in it, namely the Regions Group of Companies, whose owners are the sons of State Duma deputy from the United Russia party Zelimkhan Mutsoev - Amiran and Alik Mutsoev, as well as their uncle Amirkhan Mori. The same group of companies is building the world’s largest indoor amusement park, “Dream Island,” in the Nagatinskaya floodplain. The press service of the Regions Group did not promptly respond to Kommersant’s request regarding the protests of local residents.
Moscow City Duma deputy Sergei Mitrokhin told Kommersant that he knows about what is happening and will raise this issue at the site of the capital’s parliament. “Maxim Kruglov was elected from Yabloko in this constituency. Together we are in contact with local residents and will raise the question of the inadmissibility of this event,” noted Mr. Mitrokhin. “When a wheel with hanging booths is spinning in front of your windows, this is simply disgraceful and some kind of barbarity. We will actively oppose it."
Elena Rozhkova
Ferris wheel Sokolniki
The Ferris wheel in Sokolniki is much smaller. It is located on a sandy alley. Its height is no more than 30 meters and it offers views of other attractions and the surrounding area. The wheel has 20 open cabins, so it is best to visit it in warm weather.
Ferris wheel prices
| Adults | 250 rub. |
| Children | 200 rub. |
On weekdays, there are benefits for children from large families, orphans, and disabled children. You can find out more detailed information on the official website of Sokolniki Park: https://park.sokolniki.com/ or by phone for information.
Wheel operating schedule in Sokolniki
| Mon. | 11:00 — 19:00 |
| Tue | 11:00 — 19:00 |
| Wed. | 11:00 — 19:00 |
| Thurs. | 11:00 — 19:00 |
| Fri. | 11:00 — 19:00 |
| Sat. | 11:00 — 19:00 |
| Sun. | 11:00 — 19:00 |
The schedule is valid only in summer. In winter, check the schedule by phone.
Address of the Ferris wheel in Sokolniki
The attraction is located on the territory of PKiO Sokolniki at the address: Moscow, Pesochnaya Alley. Walking distance from Sokolniki metro station – 20 min.
Ferris wheel in Sokolniki Park
Height : about 30 meters
Photo: press service of PKiO Sokolniki
Photo: press service of PKiO Sokolniki
In Sokolniki Park there is practically a twin brother of the Small Izmailovsky Wheel: the same height, the same cabin design and even colors (although some time ago the attraction was white and blue). But still, the view from it opens up a little different: at the peak point you will have a picturesque view of the cheerful Sokolniki and Moscow high-rise buildings with the beautiful Ostankino Tower, which will be much closer.
Opening hours : Weekdays from 11:00 to 19:00 (possibly until 22:00)
On weekends and holidays - from 10:30 to 20:00 (possibly until 22:00)
Attractions are closed in case of inclement weather (snow, rain, thunderstorm, strong wind, low temperature).
Cost : 250 rubles
Sokolnichesky Krug Ave., 2, Moscow
View on map
Ferris wheel in Krylatskoye
The Ferris wheel in the Skazka park in Krylatskoye is unique for several reasons. It works all year round and is environmentally friendly because... In summer it runs on a solar battery and in winter on electricity. The Ferris wheel in Krylatskoye was built without a foundation. The height of this attraction reaches 35 meters (11-story building). It includes 18 closed cabins.
Ferris wheel prices
| Weekdays | 300 rub. |
| Weekend | 400 rub. |
| VIP cabin (Sweet package). Price includes 30 min + Raffaello sweets | 3500 rub. |
| VIP cabin (Premium package). The price includes the “Sweet” package options + fruit plate. | 5000 rub. |
Children under 12 years old are allowed on the attraction only in the presence of adults. You can also order additional options for an additional fee:
- Decorating the cabin with balls;
- Bouquet of roses;
- Waiter services;
- An inscription on the asphalt in the form of a declaration of love.
For questions about booking cabins, please call: 8 (495)-133-65-60
Wheel operating mode
| Mon. | 11:00 — 22:00 |
| Tue | 11:00 — 22:00 |
| Wed. | 11:00 — 22:00 |
| Thurs. | 11:00 — 22:00 |
| Fri. | 11:00 — 22:00 |
| Sat. | 11:00 — 22:00 |
| Sun. | 11:00 — 22:00 |
Address of the Ferris wheel in Krylatskoye
The Ferris wheel is located at: Moscow, st. Krylatskaya, 18.
The nearest metro stations are Krylatskoye and Molodezhnaya.
Ferris wheel "Vegas" on Kashirskoye Highway ("Music Wheel")
The modern Vegas Ferris wheel at Kashirka is installed next to the Vegas shopping center. It surpasses Izmailovskoye in height. Its height is 55 m, and from the highest point you will have a beautiful view of Vegas Park. The full rotation time is around 15 minutes. This is the only wheel in Moscow where each booth has a built-in speaker that plays throughout the entire sightseeing tour. It is especially interesting to ride after dark, when the lights turn on at the wheel, the shopping center and on the street. All cabins are made of glass and equipped with air conditioning.
Prices for the Vegas Ferris wheel at Kashirka
| Children (up to 3 years old) | for free |
| Children (3-12 years old) | 250 rub. |
| Adult | 400 rub. |
Operating mode of the Ferris wheel "Vegas"
| Mon. | 10:00 — 00:00 |
| Tue | 10:00 — 00:00 |
| Wed. | 10:00 — 00:00 |
| Thurs. | 10:00 — 00:00 |
| Fri. | 10:00 — 23:00 |
| Sat. | 10:00 — 23:00 |
| Sun. | 10:00 — 00:00 |
Check opening hours in winter by phone or on the official website: https://vegas.musicwheel.ru
