Moscow Unveils a Winter Fairytale at Europe's Largest Ice Rink
Moscow's VDNKh park has reopened the largest artificial ice rink in Europe just in time for the park's 80th anniversary.
The park’s ice rink, which was closed last winter for renovations, has been a holiday treasure in Moscow ever since the first rink was opened there in 1954.
In 1960 the first Russian Winter Festival was held at the pavilion. There one could watch theatrical performances as well as animals performing tricks with their trainers.
Large-scale wintertime festivities at VDNKh fell dormant in the 1990s and would stay that way until 2014. In 2015, VDNkh first opened Europe’s largest ice rink, measuring 20,000 square meters, and the annual winter celebrations resumed.
Today, all generations can come to the rink to relive their childhoods or build brand-new memories. Here’s a look at all of the lights at VDNKh’s ice rink:
The park’s ice rink, which was closed last winter for renovations, has been a holiday treasure in Moscow ever since the first rink was opened there in 1954.
In 1960 the first Russian Winter Festival was held at the pavilion. There one could watch theatrical performances as well as animals performing tricks with their trainers.
Large-scale wintertime festivities at VDNKh fell dormant in the 1990s and would stay that way until 2014. In 2015, VDNkh first opened Europe’s largest ice rink, measuring 20,000 square meters, and the annual winter celebrations resumed.
Today, all generations can come to the rink to relive their childhoods or build brand-new memories. Here’s a look at all of the lights at VDNKh’s ice rink:
During the winter season, the entire VDNkh exhibition center is a festival area for guests.
Igor Ivanko / Moskva news Agency
Ice skating is one of locals' favorite ways to get outside during the Moscow winter.
Igor Ivanko / Moskva news Agency
In addition to the rink, there are exhibitions, interactive performances and Christmas decorations galore.
Igor Ivanko / Moskva news Agency
Even as the large-scale festivities were halted in the 90s, people could still come to the center to buy skates, skis and other sporting goods.
Igor Ivanko / Moskva news Agency
This year's rink is surrounded by different attractions that VDNkh has taken from the past 80 years of celebrations.
In the 1970s, people could come to VDNKh to see everything from trainers riding on camels to traditional Russian Christmas decorations.
Igor Ivanko / Moskva news Agency
In 2017, the rink hosted over 55 themed events alone.
Igor Ivanko / Moskva news Agency
The rink's distinctive key shape was formed in 2014, stretching from the first Pavilion to the 58th Pavilion.
Igor Ivanko / Moskva news Agency
