All-Russian Exhibition Center

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The park was originally opened in 1939 as the All-Union Agricultural Exhibition.

2. 2

   The Friendship of Peoples fountain features 16 gilded statues representing the Soviet republics as they existed in 1954.

3. 3

   VDNKh underwent a major restoration program starting in 2014 to return many of its Stalinist-era buildings to their original condition.

4. 4

   The Vostok rocket displayed at the park is a flight-ready backup of the one that carried Yuri Gagarin into space.

5. 5

   The site includes a fully functional urban farm and a greenhouse complex that dates back to the mid-20th century.

6. 6

   The pavilion 'Cosmos' features a unique domed ceiling that was technically challenging to construct during the 1950s.

Overview

The All-Russian Exhibition Center, known as VDNKh, is a vast historical park and exhibition space located in Moscow. It houses 49 cultural heritage monuments, including thematic pavilions that represent various Soviet republics and industries. The site features extensive landscaped grounds, fountains such as the Stone Flower and Friendship of Peoples, and an iconic replica of the Vostok rocket. As of 2026, it serves as a multipurpose venue hosting trade shows, educational exhibitions, and cultural events. The grounds span over 230 hectares, incorporating museums like the Cosmonautics Museum and the Moskvarium aquarium. Visitors can explore permanent and rotating thematic halls distributed throughout the complex. The venue serves as a major hub for science, technology, and recreation within the city.

Insider tips

• Wear comfortable walking shoes as the grounds are expansive and cover significant distance.

• Rent a bicycle or electric scooter to efficiently navigate between the far-flung pavilions.

• Check the official website for current exhibition schedules to avoid arriving during venue changeovers.