In the 1930s, the All-Union Agricultural Exhibition (VSKhV) opened in the north of Moscow, now known to us as VDNKh (Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy). The exhibition center, created to mark the 20th anniversary of the October Revolution, was planned as a temporary exhibition space that was supposed to operate for only 100 days. But even today, after eight decades, VDNKh remains one of the most popular recreation areas for Muscovites and guests of the metropolis.
How to Get There by Metro
Near the main entrance to VDNKh is the pavilion of the metro station of the same name. Several stops of the Moscow Monorail are also located here, but as far as I remember, the interval of movement of this unusual means of transport has now greatly increased.
VDNKh borders on Ostankino Park and the Botanical Garden, so a trip here can be combined with a pleasant walk in the green areas of Moscow. In this case, you can get to, for example, the "Vladykino" or "Botanical Garden" stations.
Online maps indicate that the VDNKh territory is open around the clock, and admission is free.
A Bit of History
Already from the name, which was originally assigned to the project - the All-Union Agricultural Exhibition - it becomes clear that the main task of the space was to reflect the successes of the Soviet government in agriculture and collective farm construction. The first exhibition pavilions were wooden, and their construction began in 1935.
In the following years, the exhibition pavilions were reconstructed, and on August 1, 1939, the grand opening of the updated exposition took place. It occupied an area of about 140 hectares, and more than 200 different buildings were erected on this territory. It was then that one of the most famous objects of VDNKh appeared here, the monumental sculpture "Worker and Kolkhoz Woman."
During the World War II, the exhibition space was not operational, and the opening of the reconstructed exposition took place only in 1954. At the same time, the territory increased to 207 hectares, and the number of pavilions increased to 383. It is worth noting that over time, the main theme of the exhibition became science and industry.
Over its long history, the exhibition complex has changed several names. Until 1958, it was called the All-Union Agricultural Exhibition, later - the Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy of the USSR, from 1989 to 1992 the space was called the All-Union Exhibition Center.
In the 1990s, the exhibition activities of VDNKh were almost completely replaced by trade. But today, visitors to the exhibition can once again see many interesting places, including almost fifty objects of cultural heritage. I will tell you about the new history of the exhibition space and modern pavilions of VDNKh in the next article.
Have a nice trip!
