What to do in Gorky Park
How did an abandoned landfill turn into one of the most popular vacation spots for Muscovites? Where they dance right on the street, play sports, watch movies and walk among art objects. Over the course of a century, this location has been completely transformed. We tell you what to see in Gorky Park in Moscow, which corners of it are worth visiting first and where to look for the most unusual entertainment.
The History of Gorky Park
At the beginning of the 20th century, this place was an abandoned area with a landfill. In 1923, the site was cleared for the All-Russian Agricultural Exhibition. When it was completed, the authorities decided to create the first cultural and recreation park in the Soviet Union here — an exemplary space for walking, entertainment and leisure.
The park officially opened in 1928. It was designed by architect Konstantin Melnikov and at first was called the "Combine of Culture". There are shady alleys, dance floors, a summer cinema and attractions. They even built a small railway for the children. In 1932, the park was named after Maxim Gorky.
During the war, the park was used for training in civil defense. In peacetime, landscaping continued here: in the 1980s, water stages were set up on the ponds in Gorky Park, where ballet performances took place.
In the 1990s, the park fell into disrepair. Its territory has become a zone of typical attractions and chaotic trade. In 2011, a large-scale reconstruction started here. The old kiosks were removed, the infrastructure was updated, bike paths, sports areas and art spaces were created.
Today, entertainment in Gorky Park includes festivals, exhibitions, ice rinks, cozy recreation areas and many other activities. The space combined nature, culture and sports activities and turned into one of the most visited places in the city.
Main areas of Gorky Park
Gorky Park is a complex of unique territories. Here you will find everything: cultural and natural areas, active and peaceful locations, entertainment for children and adults. Let's figure out where to go in Gorky Park first.
Orchestra seats
This is the central and busiest part of the park, where a lot of entertainment is concentrated. There are fountains, sculptures, museums, cafes, summer terraces, recreation areas, dance and sports grounds. In summer, concerts and festivals are held in the Stalls under the open sky, and in winter a huge ice rink is opened.
The famous arch of the main entrance is also located in this part of the park, as well as two ponds — Golitsynsky and Pionersky.
Neskuchny sad
This is the quietest and most mysterious part of Gorky Park, where nature and history coexist. Unlike the central area, there is peace here.: Ancient mansions are hidden among dense trees, winding paths lead to shady alleys, and cozy benches invite you to linger and enjoy solitude. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy sports grounds, and those who are looking for the atmosphere of old Moscow will enjoy arched bridges, gazebos, stone stairs and a mysterious grotto.
The Neskuchny garden is a place where you can feel yourself in another time, take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and take a leisurely walk among the ancient trees.
Sparrow Hills
This territory is part of a nature reserve and is a picturesque corner in the heart of the capital. Here, hiking trails lead through the forests to the famous observation deck, which offers an amazing view of Moscow. This is a great place for morning jogging, leisurely walks and meditation. During the warmer months, guests can explore ecological trails and go skiing in winter.
Muzeon Art Park
What else can you do in the park besides visiting its natural and historical areas? Of course, go to the Museon, Russia's largest outdoor sculpture exhibition.
In the "Museum" you can see hundreds of unusual art objects — from monuments of the Soviet era to works by modern authors. Exhibitions, lectures, film screenings and creative workshops are held here. The place is great for walking, sports, and photo shoots.
What to see in Gorky Park in Moscow
There are many interesting locations in the park. Let's look at the main ones.
Gorky Park Museum
The main entrance building is not just an architectural symbol, but also the location of one of the most interesting museums in Gorky Park. The exhibition tells about the history of this space since its foundation. There are archival photographs, models and rare exhibits related to the life of the park. Interactive installations and multimedia materials are also presented, allowing you to immerse yourself deeper into the atmosphere of past eras.
There is an observation deck with a magnificent view of Moscow on the second floor of the building. Here you can take a look at the city from a new angle and take beautiful photos.
National Observatory
Another unique entertainment in Gorky Park for those who are interested in space. Here you can look into the depths of the universe without leaving the center of Moscow. In the small red tower on the Ground Floor, adults and children can watch space objects.
The main pride of the observatory is the powerful Celestron EdgeHD 14 mirror-lens telescope, which allows you to see the Moon, planets of the Solar system and stars in detail. Even the urban glare won't stop you from exploring space.
The observatory regularly hosts lectures and guided tours where you can learn more about planets and constellations. It is important to remember that it is closed during the winter season from October to April, so plan a visit for the summer.
Shaped fountain
Another popular place to go is Gorky Park. The shaped fountain was opened in the 1930s. Initially, it was located closer to the Crimean wave. However, in 1955, after reconstruction, it was moved to the center of the Stalls, where it remains to this day. Once upon a time, the legendary sculpture of Ivan Shadr "Girl with an Oar" stood on the fountain, which became a real symbol of the Soviet era.
The shaped fountain is known for its light and music shows, which take place several times a day. The water in it "dances" to the music, and after dark the lights turn on, turning the performance into a fascinating spectacle.
There is a comfortable wooden deck next to the fountain, where you can relax while enjoying the atmosphere of the park.
Garage Museum of Modern Art
The Garage stands out among the museums in Gorky Park. It inherited its name from the former Bakhmetyevsky garage, where the exposition was originally located. In 2015, the museum moved to a new building, the reconstructed pavilion of the former Vremena Goda restaurant. The building was built in 1968 by architect Rem Koolhaas.
Exhibitions dedicated to contemporary art, design, architecture and photography are constantly held here. The space includes a library, a bookstore with rare editions, an educational center and a cinema hall.
Attractions and entertainment in Gorky Park
The park offers a lot of entertainment for visitors of all ages. Everyone can find something to do here, from playgrounds to sports activities and seasonal events. If you are looking for something to see in Gorky Park with children and more, pay attention to the following activities.
Children's playground "Salyut"
The Salyut play area is a space for young researchers, where they can not only play, but also develop their imagination, dexterity and ingenuity. The site is divided into several thematic zones. Each of them offers unique activities. In the Kaleidoscope area, children can interact with interactive elements by studying light and sound effects. Sand games are waiting for them in the "Seabed", which help them develop tactile skills and imagination.
Special attention is drawn to the "Mega Swing", a unique complex of 29 swings with different types of swing and rotation. In the evening, they are illuminated with dynamic colored illumination, creating an atmosphere of real celebration.
Another interesting area on the site is the "Water Station", the largest space for playing with water in Moscow. Water channels with dams and dams have been laid here, as well as Archimedes screws and water cannons.
Parents can comfortably sit on the benches, watching their children's games. If you are planning a family vacation and do not know what to see in Gorky Park with children, Salyut is a great place. Here the child will be able to spend time with benefit and pleasure.
Mini Amusement Park
The small amusement park "Carousel" was created specifically for family holidays and is suitable for both children and adults. There are carousels, swings, a mini train and even a small roller coaster that will give you a boost of fun and adrenaline.
All entertainment is available for a fee. Before visiting Gorky Park in Moscow, it is better to check the prices for attractions on the official website.
Sports entertainment
Gorky Park has a lot of entertainment for outdoor activities. In the sports center, you can rent playgrounds for beach volleyball, football, and handball. You can take your equipment and sign up for a running club workout. There are tennis courts in the Neskuchny Garden. A skate park with colorful ramps and a relaxation area is open for roller skating, scooters and skateboards.
Additionally, table tennis tables, an indoor recreation area and petanque courts are available. Yoga and stretching enthusiasts can join the outdoor classes.
Boat station
In the warmer months, the Golitsyn Pond in Gorky Park turns into a place for leisurely walks on the water. At the boat station, you can rent a catamaran and enjoy the secluded atmosphere among the greenery of the park. The smooth water and picturesque shores create a romantic mood and allow you to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Skating Rink
With the onset of cold weather, a spacious skating rink with paths, cozy recreation areas and spectacular lighting opens in the park. Its area is more than 16,000 sq. m. It is equipped with five pavilions for the convenience of visitors.
Skate rental points, cafes and food courts are available on site, where you can eat and warm up with hot drinks. The ice rink will be a great place for a winter date, a fun evening with friends or a family vacation.
Cinema
In the summer, there is an open-air cinema in the park, where you can watch movies right under the stars. The poster includes classics of world cinema, arthouse films and festival novelties. Wooden seats with soft cushions and blankets create a special atmosphere.
There are not only film screenings, but also lectures, public talks and creative meetings. This is the perfect place for a date or an evening out with friends. It is better to buy tickets in advance — the chamber hall fills up quickly, and interest in the sessions is always high.
How to get to Gorky Park
Gorky Park is located in the center of Moscow. It's easy to get to it.
- By metro The nearest stations are Oktyabrskaya and Park Kultury. It takes about 10 minutes on foot from both stations to the main entrance.
- On the machine You can not enter the park by private transport, but there are parking areas nearby. In the navigator, it is most convenient to plot a route to Krymsky Val, 9. There is a city parking lot near the arch of the main entrance. Please note that parking spaces are often occupied on weekends and holidays.
Gorky Park's operating mode
Gorky Park is open every day around the clock. You can walk here at any time, but some areas and facilities operate according to their own schedule. Before visiting specific locations, it is better to check the current schedule on the official website.
Where to stay near Gorky Park
To enjoy the atmosphere of the park at different times of the day and not waste time on the road, we recommend staying in the nearest hotels. There are two Accor hotels located a few minutes from the park:
- Mercure Moscow Paveletskaya is a modern design hotel with a gym and wellness center.
- Ibis Moscow Paveletskaya is a cozy hotel near the Aeroexpress stop. It is suitable for both tourist and business trips.
- Ibis Moscow Kievskaya is a hotel with a convenient location near the Kievskaya metro station.
- Adagio Moscow Kievskaya is a comfortable apartment with a kitchen, ideal for long—term stays.
- Novotel Moscow Kievskaya is a stylish hotel with a swimming pool and fitness center, close to the business district and shops.
These hotels will provide you with comfortable accommodation and convenient access to the park.
