Gorky Park

Gorky Park or Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure founded in 1928 and it stretches out on about 100 hectares. Gorky Park is one of the largest amusement parks in Europe. The chief architect of the Central Park of Culture and Leisure plan was the avaunt-garde architect Constantine Melnikov, who conducted in the late 20-ies of XX century parterre style layout of the park from the park’s entry to the Neskuchny Garden.

In the XVIII century, on the future park territory, there was located the Neskushnoe estate owned by Prokofy Demidov. It was very famous not only for its majestic buildings, mansions in the best traditions of the time, but also a magnificent botanical garden. In this garden, according to some reports, there were several thousand different plant species. Even then, the place was quite a popular holiday destination, accessible, however, only the upper class. Later on, Demidov sold his property by parts, and its owners were several people at once. As a result, to this day remain only a few buildings which were located on the mansion land.

The main entrance to the Gorky Park,

constructed in the form of a triumphal arch

By the beginning of the XX century, this area has changed considerably from country manor and has become one of the central districts of the Moscow. In the 20s young Soviet government decided to build the “enterprise of culture”. It had to layout on the part of the Neskuchny Garden and Vorobyovy Gory (Sparrow Hills). In 1923 this place was held National Agricultural and Industrial Exhibition of handicraft. The main entrance to the park was the gates, constructed in the form of a triumphal arch. Before the entrance stood the famous statue Girl with a paddle by Ivan Shadr (photo on the left – taken from gorkiypark.ru), which was destroyed in 1941 by Fascist’s bombarding. Originally Golitsynskii Garden and Neskuchniy Garden were not related to each other and the central part of the park. They are joined all together only in 1931 by architects Vlasov, Melnikov and Lissitzky. A year later, the formed new park was named after the writer Maxim Gorky.

Greenery of the Gorky Park is really diverse. There are growing more than 60 different species of trees, including not only the usual lime, birch, maple and oak trees, but also walnut trees which are quite unusual for Moscow. There is a huge swimming pool, situated on an area of 5000 square meters. Around him and the other, smaller bodies of water, stretch out a beautiful rose garden and flower beds.

In the western part of the Gorky Park there is Open-air Theater, which was built in the 1928. Often there held concerts of popular performers. The theater was renovated in 1957. In eastern part of the Gorky Park there is the Moscow’s biggest amusement park. Unknown fact about Gorky Park, that there was built the first children’s railway in Russia. It happened in the 30s of last century. Its length was just over 500 meters. Information about the developer of the project and about railway disappearance is not found.

Maxim Gorky monument in Gorky Park

During a summer time in Gorky Park you can also enjoy of ride on boats and catamarans. In winter, the park turns into a great ice rink. The Moscow Gorky Park often hosts a variety of celebrations and competitions. There are several sports and playgrounds, as well as many outdoor cafes and bars. Right behind the Open-air Theater there is the green part of the park, called Neskuchniy Garden. There is the survived building of the Demidov’s Palace which was built in XVIII century.

10 reasons to visit Gorky Park

Be informed…

Gorky Park is the first Soviet public park, opened in 1928 as a “culture factory” in the open air. As then, nowadays the Gorky Park is at the forefront of the Moscow’s entertainment industry. It is keeping our tradition; but at the same time Gorky Park is changing, providing the Muscovites and guests the entertainment in the new format.

Stroll through the Moscow

Park has the longest pedestrian promenade in Moscow – Pushkinskaya. You can go for a walk from the Moscow Kremlin to the Sparrow Hills.

For working out…New asphalt in parterre of the park is the best in Moscow for roller skating. Bicyclers have special lanes and designated parking areas. Gorky Park is the only place in Moscow, where you can rent a conference-bike!

Gorky Park famous musical fountain and I

See the music

The size of the bowl of the largest fountains in Moscow 3600 square meters and height of water streams up to 25 m. It is color-musical fountain as well. The fountain is illuminated by LED 400, 16 speakers provide the background music. The entire system is controlled by a computer program. The 30-minute color-musical performance held 5 times a day.

Soak up on the beach

The new beach on the Pushkin promenade is designed for 400 people and is made from environmentally friendly materials. Beach divided into two zones: one from the bottom with umbrellas and sun beds, and another called “wooden dunes”, which are multi-level ramps for sunbathing. There are installed showers on the beach and a cafe.

See the show

Every weekend in the Gorky Park you can see concerts of the Russian stars, folklore festivals, shows, parades, tournaments in various sports. For the younger visitors there are open playgrounds, games, contests, raffles, working animators, and master-classes in origami.

The view on the Gorky Park from the Moscow River cruise boat