The fountain was originally built using reinforced concrete and wood, which made it prone to rapid decay before its full 21st-century reconstruction.
During its restoration, over 10,000 mosaic elements were hand-applied to the central sheaf of wheat.
The 66 water jets are designed to mimic the texture of ripe grain swaying in the wind.
It is one of the few fountains in the park that uses a recirculation system linked to the adjacent pond water supply.
The Golden Ear fountain is a monumental structure located within VDNKh park, featuring 66 water jets arranged to resemble a wheat stalk. Originally constructed in 1939 from concrete, the fountain was completely restored in 2018 using historical photographs and archival documentation. The central structure stands 16 meters tall and is finished with gold-leaf mosaic tiles. Water is projected through specialized nozzles to create the appearance of a shimmering golden harvest. The fountain sits in the center of the Third Kamensky Pond, surrounded by a scenic reflecting pool. It functions as a historical centerpiece of the Soviet-era agricultural exhibition complex.
From the western bank of the Third Kamensky Pond, which provides an unobstructed view of the fountain with the water reflection in the foreground.
Visit during the golden hour to capture how the sunlight interacts with the gold mosaic tiles.
Walk the perimeter of the pond to view the fountain from different elevations and angles.
Carry a light jacket, as the pond area often remains cooler than the surrounding park grounds.
Do not attempt to enter the water or walk on the fountain structure as it is protected by underwater technical equipment.
The fountain operates only during the warm season; it is shut down and winterized during cold months.
