Exhibition of Russian Art Masterpieces Dedicated to Moscow Opens at VDNH
The renowned VDNH exhibition complex is hosting the main cultural event of autumn 2025 — “The Image of Moscow in Russian Art”, a major exhibition presenting paintings and sculptures of Moscow from different eras, spanning from medieval times to the modern day. The legendary State Russian Museum in St. Petersburg has specially provided 115 works for the show, many of which rarely leave its collection. From this autumn through 1 February 2026, Muscovites and visitors alike have the unique opportunity to see them at VDNH’s Pavilion No. 1, the Central Exhibition Hall.
In 2025, Moscow marks its 878th anniversary, and the exhibition at VDNH offers an artistic panorama of how the Russian capital has transformed over the centuries. Masterpieces by celebrated artists — including Apollinary Vasnetsov, Vasily Surikov, Ilya Repin, Valentin Serov, Mikhail Nesterov, Vasily Vereshchagin, Isaak Brodsky, and many others — depict Moscow in all its diverse forms: from ancient churches and monasteries to the bustling industrial metropolis. Gerard Delabart’s rare series of city views shows Moscow before the Fire of 1812, including scenes of the Kremlin, Red Square, Kolomenskoye, and other historic districts. The exhibition is curated across thematic sections: Moscow as the center of Orthodox Christianity, Moscow after regaining its capital status, New Moscow and its transformations in the 20th century, and portraits of prominent Muscovites. In total, the exhibition features 104 paintings and 11 sculptures.
Augmented reality technologies allow visitors to step inside selected artworks — for example, experiencing the State Council meeting with Emperor Nicholas II or boarding Stepan Razin’s boat on the Volga River. With the help of the Russian AI platform GigaChat. To welcome international audiences, all wall texts and labels are available in multiple languages.
“VDNH is one of Moscow’s leading touristlocation, and it was important for us to host an exhibition dedicated specifically to the capital. Paintings of Moscow were carefully gathered from the State Russian Museum — the nation’s artistic treasury — which entrusted us with these masterpieces. I am confident that after visiting this exhibition, both Muscovites and international guests will walk the city’s streets with fresh insights into how Moscow has appeared through different centuries,” said Bulat Nurmukhanov, Deputy Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee
VDNH today is not only a unique historical architectural ensemble but also Moscow’s largest contemporary museum and exhibition complex. It unites more than 30 museums and cultural institutions, including visitor favorites such as the Cosmos Pavilion, the interactive Buran space shuttle complex, and the Moscow in Miniature Museum. The site is also home to Europe’s largest oceanography and marine biology center, “Moskvarium”; the multimedia park “Soyuzmultpark”; and the family-friendly “City Farm”. The giant Ferris wheel “Sun of Moscow” offers panoramic views of the capital, creating a striking dialogue between the city as it appears today and as it is represented in the artworks on display.
Extensive restoration of VDNH’s historic landmarks has recently been completed, with iconic pavilions once again revealing their splendor. The annual program now features more than 1,200 cultural events. Convenient infrastructure — e-scooters and golf carts, numerous cafés and restaurants, children’s play areas — ensures that exploring this unique complex remains both comfortable and inspiring.
