Memorial complex Victory Park. Victory Park

Basic moments

Victory Park is not only a memorial complex, but also a great place for recreation for citizens and guests of the capital. There are many attractions for children; those who wish can take part in a sightseeing tour carried out on a road train. An autodrome and a Virtual Cinema are open to visitors of the complex. Skateboarders and rollerbladers hone their skills on Poklonnaya Hill, and there are separate paths for cyclists in the park. Vacationers can rent electric cars, roller skates, scooters, bicycles, as well as cozy cafes and restaurants. Poklonnaya Hill constantly hosts thematic events and festivals, sporting competitions, and concerts.

The complex is located in the west of the capital, between Kutuzovsky Prospekt and Minskaya Street.

Story

Between the Setun and Filka rivers there is a gentle hill. Since ancient times, travelers traveling to Moscow along the Smolensk road had a tradition of stopping on this hill near the Russian capital and bowing to the city and its churches. Here, honors were given to eminent guests - ambassadors of foreign states, high-ranking dignitaries, and princes. These rituals gave the name to Poklonnaya Hill.

The first mentions of this place, memorable for Russians, are reflected in historical documents of the 16th century. From the chronicles it is known that in those distant times, flooded meadows stretched around the hill, belonging to the village of Trinity-Golenichevo.

Poklonnaya Hill is closely connected with the history of the country. At the beginning of the 16th century, envoys of the Crimean Khan Mengli-Girey were met in these places, and a century later, Polish invaders, marching on the Russian capital, set up their camp on the mountain. In 1812, the self-confident Napoleon waited in vain here for Muscovites with the keys to the city, and in the 40s of the last century, soldiers went to the front along the Smolensk road, so Poklonnaya Hill became a symbol of Russia’s victory over foreign aggressors.

Dioramas in the Museum of the Great Patriotic War

The creation of a memorial complex on the mountain was planned back in the mid-40s of the 20th century. But in the post-war years, all the forces of the state were devoted to restoring the economy, so construction was postponed for a long time. Only at the end of the 50s was a memorial sign made of granite installed on the mountain, indicating that a memorial would be built here in honor of the victory of the Soviet people. The first trees of the future park were planted around the sign.

The complex was opened on May 9, 1995, during the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany.

The architectural ensemble has become a truly public construction project - funds for its construction were collected by residents of the capital with the participation of the state and government of Moscow.

Main alley

Memorial Complex

All memorial and iconic buildings of Poklonnaya Gora are located in the eastern part of Victory Park on an area of ​​135 hectares.

Poklonnaya Gora greets its guests coming from the nearest metro station “Park Pobedy” with the Triumphal Arch. Initially, the structure was located on Tverskaya Zastava Square and was made of wood. The arch was erected by grateful Muscovites in 1814 for the solemn meeting of the victorious soldiers and in honor of the victory of the Russian people over Napoleon. In the 30s of the 19th century, the Triumphal Gate was completely reconstructed. The Arch was moved to Poklonnaya Hill in the 60s of the last century.

The center of the memorial complex is the round Victory Square, on which the Victory Monument is installed - an obelisk in the form of a bayonet, rising to 141.8 meters. The architects designed this height because the Great Patriotic War lasted exactly 1,418 days, and every meter of the monument reminds of a tragic and difficult time. One hundred and twenty-two meters from the ground, on the obelisk there is a 25-ton bronze statue of Nike, the goddess of Victory, and figures of angels glorifying Russian weapons. At the base of the stele there is a sculpture of St. George the Victorious, striking a serpent with a spear, which personifies evil and aggression. The obelisk is decorated with expressive bas-reliefs on a military theme and the names of hero cities, embossed in gold.

Museum on Poklonnaya Hill

From the beginning of the central alley to the Victory Monument there are granite slabs symbolizing the years of war. On the other side, there are 15 bronze memorial steles in honor of 10 fronts of the Second World War, 3 fleets - Baltic, Northern and Black Sea, as well as partisans and home front workers. The obelisks are located in the same sequence in which military formations were located at the Victory Parade on June 22, 1945.

The park contains a grand complex of fountains with 5 hydrocascades, each of which produces 45 vertical jets. The total number of water flows symbolizes the duration of the war - 225 weeks. The bright scarlet illumination of the fountains in the evening makes this place especially dramatic, evoking associations with the blood shed by the defenders of the country.

"Tragedy of Nations"

Fountains are also located along the main alley of Victory Park; there are exactly 1,418 of them - a fountain for every day of the war. The central alley is called “Years of War”. All other alleys of the park are dedicated to military themes or participants in battles: tank crews, pilots, signalmen, defenders of Moscow, young heroes, war and labor veterans. There is also the Alley of Newlyweds, where newlyweds cement their union in a place sacred to Russians.

Victory Square is surrounded in a semicircle by another fountain group, symbolizing the joy of the winners.

Of great interest is the exhibition of military equipment and engineering and fortification structures, located in the open-air park: torpedo boats, submarine cabins, various caliber artillery installations, guns, howitzers, sea mines, German combat aircraft. In total, more than 300 samples are presented at the exhibition.

Mig-29 aircraft

In Victory Park you can admire the world's largest flower clock, whose dial reaches 10 meters in diameter. The length of the hour hand is 3.5 meters, the minute hand is 4.5 meters. Almost 8,000 flowers are planted on the clock.

On Victory Square there is the Central Museum of the Great Patriotic War, representing 50 collections with 50,000 items. Among the exhibits: weapons and military equipment from the Second World War, personal belongings of outstanding military leaders and ordinary participants in battles, trophies, letters from the defenders of the Motherland, front-line household items, a rare collection of occupation banknotes, awards, and uniforms. The museum also houses the Victory Banner, hoisted over the Reichstag on April 30, 1945.

In the Hall of Glory there is a 10-meter sculpture of the victorious Soldier, and the names of 11,763 Heroes of the Soviet Union are carved on the marble walls.

The Memory Hall contains Books of Memory - 385 volumes, where all the dead and missing are mentioned. Data about each of them can also be found from an electronic analogue. One of the main relics of the exhibition is a table from the Yalta Conference in 1945, at which Stalin, Roosevelt and Churchill communicated.

In the museum, visitors examine dioramas: “Siege of Leningrad”, “Kursk Bulge”, “Storm of Berlin”, “Counter-offensive of Soviet troops near Moscow in December 1941”, “Crossing the Dnieper. 1943", "Union of fronts. Stalingrad."

In front of the museum burns the Eternal Flame, lit in April 2010, on the eve of the celebration of the 65th anniversary of the Victory.

Three temples of different religions were built on Poklonnaya Hill, symbolizing the multinationality of the country’s defenders.

The construction of the Church of St. George the Victorious began in 1993, and two years later the cathedral was consecrated by Patriarch Alexy II. Its main shrine is a particle of the relics of the Great Martyr George the Victorious, a gift from the Patriarch of Jerusalem Diodorus. The temple reminds of the main commander of the Great Patriotic War - Georgy Zhukov, whose heavenly patron was St. George. A Sunday school is opened within the walls of the sanctuary. The chapel of the Archangel Michael is also located here.

The memorial mosque, erected in honor of Muslim soldiers, was opened in 1997. Red Army soldiers from the predominantly Muslim regions of the country: Bashkiria, Tatarstan, the Caucasus and Central Asia played a major role in bringing victory closer. The mosque hosts classes and lectures, Friday sermons and night prayers during Ramadan. For believers, the premises have a room for ablutions and a library of religious literature.

The synagogue, dedicated to the history of the Jewish people and the Holocaust, was opened in 1998. The religious building houses an exhibition telling about the tragic fate of Jews during the Great Patriotic War. At the exhibition you can get acquainted with exhibits from the times of Tsarist Russia, as well as watch educational films and photographs. Russian President Boris Yeltsin was present at the opening of the synagogue.

The chapel in honor of the Spanish volunteers who fought on the Soviet fronts was built on Poklonnaya Hill in 2003.

As a sign of respect for all religions, it is planned to build a Catholic temple, an Armenian chapel and a Buddhist stupa on Poklonnaya Hill.

Victory Park is also decorated with the following sculptural compositions:

• Monument to all victims of the fascist genocide “Tragedy of Nations”;
• Monument to the Spaniards who fell in the Great Patriotic War;
• Monument to the heroes of the First World War;
• Monument to the soldiers of the countries participating in the anti-Hitler coalition (UN Secretary General Kofi Annan took part in its opening);
• Monument to a front-line dog;
• Monument “Spirit of the Elbe”, dedicated to the meeting of the Allied forces on the Elbe;
• Monument to the “Defenders of the Russian Land”;
• Monument to the Missing;
• Monument to "Internationalist Warriors".

The monument “We were together in the fight against fascism” was unveiled on December 21, 2010. The sculptural composition depicts Meliton Kantaria and Mikhail Egorov hoisting the Victory Banner over the Reichstag.

Poklonnaya Hill has long become a traditional meeting place for WWII veterans.

Monument to "Defenders of the Russian Land"

Victory Park is not only a memorial complex, but also a great place for recreation for citizens and guests of the capital. Families with children come here, for whom there are many attractions. Those interested can take part in a sightseeing tour carried out on a road train. An autodrome and a Virtual Cinema are open to visitors of the complex. Skateboarders and rollerbladers hone their skills on Poklonnaya Hill, and there are separate paths for cyclists in the park. Vacationers can rent electric vehicles, roller skates, scooters, bicycles, as well as cozy cafes and restaurants.

The depth of the Park Pobedy metro station, named after the park of the same name, is 84 meters, which is a record for Moscow.

Near Poklonnaya Gora there is the Kutuzov Izba, in which the famous Russian commander conferred with his generals on the eve of the Battle of Borodino. The hut was restored for the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Borodino and a veterans’ museum was created in it. The furnishings in the room have been preserved - a Russian stove, wooden benches, an icon of the Smolensk Mother of God and a table with a model of a military map of those times. Nearby is the grave of 300 participants in the legendary battle, as well as the Battle of Borodino panorama museum. The central exhibit of the museum is a 115-meter painting by artist F.A. Rubo reenacting one of the battle fragments.

The mass of the Victory Monument is 1000 tons. During the construction of the monument, a problem arose - due to the large weight of the figure of the goddess Nike, the entire composition could collapse due to strong winds and vibration. To increase the stability of the monument, vibration dampers are installed on it, the largest of which weighs 10 tons and is located behind the back of the goddess. Also, to balance the sculptural composition, a special bunker was built in the hill below it, preventing the monument from tilting in one direction or another. The bunker contains a room in which the condition of the monument is constantly monitored.

Helpful information

Address of Poklonnaya Gora: St. Brothers Fonchenko, 10.

Directions to the metro stations "Slavyanskaya", "Park Pobedy" and "Kutuzovskaya"; by buses No. 157, 205.91 - to the Poklonnaya Gora stop.

Entrance to the territory of Poklonnaya Gora is free.

Opening hours of the Museum of the Great Patriotic War: Tuesday-Sunday - from 10.00 to 19.00, Thursday - from 10.00 to 20.00. The museum is closed on Mondays; the last Thursday of the month is a sanitary day. Tickets cost 250 rubles for adults, 200 rubles for pensioners and students, children under 18 years old are admitted free.

The museum hosts interactive military-themed games for children.

The Muslim mosque is open daily from 10 am to 9 pm.

When planning to visit Poklonnaya Gora, take warm clothes with you - it can be quite windy here even on hot summer days.

A few stops from Poklonnaya Gora along the metro line are such recreational areas of the capital as Filyovsky Park and Alexander Garden.

Festive fireworks in Victory Park

• Colossal sculptural structures and memorial alleys - a tribute to the feat of the Soviet people who won the Great Patriotic War.
• Central Museum of the Great Patriotic War with authentic wartime relics, a diorama of major battles and an exhibition of military equipment.
• Monument to the countries that participated in the anti-Hitler coalition.
• Five terraces, making up the alley, symbolize five years of war, and the number of fountains - 225, is equal to the number of weeks that the war lasted.
• Huge picturesque park area‒ a great place to relax, rollerblade, skateboard, bike, or play sports in a group.

Victory Park on Poklonnaya Hill is a tribute to the memory of the soldiers of the Great Patriotic War and the victory that was dearly given to the entire Soviet people. The city had to endure a lot in 1941–1945: hunger, air raids, hard daily work. Hundreds of thousands of residents of the capital died in these dark years. In Victory Park, colossal sculptural structures, the Central Museum of the Great Patriotic War with a collection of military equipment, memorial alleys and religious objects are dedicated to this terrible war. This place is one of the city residents’ favorite areas for walking, thanks to the large picturesque green area. And the wide and smooth paths and alleys of Victory Park are a favorite resting and meeting place for Moscow roller skaters.

On holidays, concerts, fireworks and festivals are held on Poklonnaya Hill. But the most important date is, of course, May 9, Victory Day, when many people come to Poklonnaya Hill. They bring flowers to the memorials, listen to performances by the best Russian artists and look forward to the fireworks - the culmination of the holiday.

Creation of a memorial

Poklonnaya Hill, on which Victory Park is located, is an iconic place for the history of Moscow. This name was born in ancient times: it was customary to welcome important guests from the west here. In 1812, when they entered Moscow, it was at this place that he and his headquarters were expecting a delegation with symbolic keys to the city. But he waited in vain: the Russian army chose to leave the deserted city to the enemy in order to gather forces for the decisive onslaught. It is symbolic that opposite Poklonnaya Hill, on Kutuzovsky Prospekt, the Triumphal Arch was erected in honor of the liberation of Russia from Napoleon’s troops.

The idea of ​​constructing a huge memorial on this site, dedicated to the feat of the Soviet people, arose back in the years. In 1958, a sign “A monument to the Victory of the Soviet people in the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945 will be built here” appeared on this site. In the same year, the construction of the park began: trees were planted and alleys were laid out. But it was only in 1984 that construction of the memorial complex began. Its creators sought to reflect the entire history of the war in architecture, creating a monument to all those who fought the enemy, united in the name of a common goal.

War and Peace

Poklonnaya Hill is a memorial to a terrible war. But next to the majestic there is a place for the simple. Thanks to the difficult terrain With its abundance of asphalt slopes, the park is popular with cyclists, skateboarders and rollerbladers. There are sports equipment rental points in the park. For lovers of an active lifestyle, free group sports classes are regularly held on Poklonnaya Hill. Here you can have a snack, relax on a bench, or just stroll along the alleys in silence.

The main, memorial part of the park has a clear geometric layout, neat lawns and flower beds. But if you go a little away from the main alleys, you can get into a more “wild” part, where you can walk under the trees or ride rollerblades or bicycles down the mountains.

Monuments and museums

The central point of the complex is the Victory Monument, the tallest monument in Russia. It is located on Victory Square bodies and is an obelisk in the form of a bayonet 141 m high. Next to it burns the Eternal Flame, lit from the fire above the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the Alexander Garden. Immediately behind the obelisk is where authentic wartime relics are collected and dioramas of key battles are presented. This is not just an exhibition telling the history of battles, but a huge memorial perpetuating the memory of fallen soldiers. The Museum's Memory Hall contains 385 volumes of the “Book of Memory”, in which the names of people who died in the battles of the Great Patriotic War are written. The museum hosts temporary thematic exhibitions dedicated to military history. Next to the Central Museum there is an exhibition of military equipment - both Soviet and allied countries.

If you walk from the museum along Partizan Alley, you can see a monument to the countries participating in the anti-Hitler coalition. This is another symbol of the unity of many peoples who fought for a just cause. Row om, in the depths of the alley, there is a chapel dedicated to the Spanish volunteers who died in the ranks of the Soviet army during the Second World War. And on the right side, on the Memory Alley, there is a sculptural composition “We were together in the fight against fascism,” continuing the same theme.

Walking along Memory Alley, you can visit. Its exhibition is dedicated primarily to the victims of the Holocaust, as well as the history of the existence of the Jewish people in Russia.

From the opposite On the far side of the central square is an Orthodox church, consecrated in honor of St. George the Victorious, the heavenly patron of warriors. Not far from it stands the monument to “Missing Soldiers without Graves.” The sculptor depicted a mortally wounded infantryman: his knees are bent - he is about to fall to the ground. This monument is devoid of pathos and solemnity; it simply reminds us of the cruelty of military disasters, of the tragedy of each person individually.

Further, towards the metro station "Park Pobedy" there is a central alley, on which there are memorial steles dedicated to various fronts and fleets. From here you have a magnificent and majestic view of the monuments. The main alley of the park is called “Years of War”. Its layout is very symbolic: the five terraces that make up the alley symbolize the five years of war, and the number of fountains - 225 - is equal to the number of weeks during which the bloodshed continued.

Museum design

1942

For the first time, the idea of ​​​​the need to create a memorial to perpetuate the feat of the people in the Great Patriotic War arose at a time when the main victorious battles were still ahead. In 1942, the Union of Architects of the USSR announced a competition for the best design of a memorial complex for the future Victory. Several projects were put forward for the competition, which ended in April 1943. Among the most interesting are the museum dedicated to the Great Patriotic War on Red Square (architect L.V. Rudnev), the triumphal arch (architect A.G. Mordvinov), “Pantheon of the Great Patriotic War” (architect Ya.G. Chernikhov). The winner was the project of the architect Rudnev, which took into account Chernikhov’s proposals for filling the museum - in addition to the exhibition halls, the project included an art gallery, “War Heroes” halls, and cinema halls.

1955

Unfortunately, this project was not implemented, and even the idea of ​​​​creating a special museum was abandoned for many years. The concept of creating a Victory Monument was brought to the fore. So, in 1955, Marshal of the Soviet Union G.K. Zhukov sends a letter to the CPSU Central Committee, in which he speaks of the need to erect a majestic monument in Moscow or the Moscow region to commemorate the world-historical victory of the Soviet people and their army in the Great Patriotic War.

1957

In May 1957, the Presidium of the CPSU Central Committee adopted a resolution “On the construction of the Victory Monument in Moscow,” in which it was planned to erect a Victory Monument on Poklonnaya Hill on the territory of the designed park before 1960.

1958

On February 23, 1958, in the presence of residents and guests of the capital, a granite foundation stone was installed, a meeting and parade of troops of the Moscow garrison took place. The solemn ceremony was attended by outstanding military leaders, veterans of the Great Patriotic War, including Marshals of the Soviet Union S.M. Budyonny, I.S. Konev, R.Ya. Malinovsky. In 1957 and 1958, two competitions were held for the best project, although none of the proposed options was chosen.

1961

In 1961, Victory Park was founded on Poklonnaya Hill. Although almost thirty years remained before the start of large-scale work on the creation of the memorial complex, the very idea of ​​perpetuating the feat of the Soviet people was not forgotten.

Construction of the museum

1979

In 1979, a competition was held again, at which four versions of the Victory Monument were presented. In 1980, the project of a group of authors headed by sculptor, President of the USSR Academy of Arts N.V. was recognized as the best. Tomsk and People's Architect of the USSR A.T. Polyansky.

1983

In 1983, the Politburo of the CPSU Central Committee approved project proposals that included the creation of a Memorial Park, the Main Victory Monument and the Central Museum of the Great Patriotic War with the Hall of Fame on Poklonnaya Hill. In the same year, the Decree of the Council of Ministers of the USSR “On the construction in Moscow of a monument to the Victory of the Soviet people in the Great Patriotic War” was issued. The construction of the memorial complex, in accordance with this resolution, began in 1985.

In order to give future construction special social and moral significance, the Soviet government decided to finance the construction of the facility not from the state budget, but from public money. By the way, a similar tradition existed in the Russian Empire - on the centenary of the Patriotic War of 1812, funds were collected in the country for the creation of a museum and monuments erected on the Borodino field.

At the end of the 1980s, a fundraiser was announced to create a Victory memorial complex. The whole country worked on cleanup days, donating the money they earned for the construction of a memorial and museum dedicated to the heroic and tragic period in the history of the Motherland.

1986

The museum on Poklonnaya Hill was created on March 4, 1986 on the basis of Order No. 86 of the USSR Ministry of Culture “On the creation of the Central Museum of the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945.” From the very beginning, it was planned as an object of special significance - a scientific, educational and scientific-methodological center on the history of the Great Patriotic War, the main state repository of all relics and materials of those years, the main place of military-patriotic work with the population.

The first director of the institution was a veteran of the Great Patriotic War, Major General Leonid Kasyanovich Kotlyar. Among the first employees were 53 veterans of the Great Patriotic War. The staff of the newly formed museum monitored the quality of the work performed, maintained comprehensive contacts with war and labor veterans, with search groups, conducted the scientific development of the future exhibition and organized the collection of exhibits.

By the start of construction, 194 million rubles had been collected in a special account. The total estimated cost of creating the memorial complex was 212.6 million rubles. Completion of construction was scheduled for 1989.

At first, the work began intensively, but then stopped due to the turbulent socio-political processes and economic changes that took place in our country. At the same time, numerous discussions broke out in society about the museum - its necessity, purpose, location, etc. There were even proposals to dismantle already built structures.

The country's leadership has repeatedly made decisions and resolutions to speed up construction. However, by 1991, the memorial complex had not been erected; its facilities were mothballed.

Museum opening

1994

A new stage in the life of the museum has begun in connection with preparations for the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Victory. In 1994, active construction resumed. People's Artist of Russia Z.K. was appointed artistic director of the project of the Central Museum of the Great Patriotic War. Tsereteli, chief architect - V.M. Budaev, chief engineer of the complex - V.Sh. Suladze.

The museum complex on Poklonnaya Gora began its life as individual blocks were ready, and temporary military-historical exhibitions opened. The first exhibition - “Defenders of the Fatherland” - was opened in 1993 in the Art Gallery of the museum under construction. On May 8, 1994, although construction work was still ongoing, President of the Russian Federation B.N. Yeltsin and Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus' Alexy II solemnly opened the Hall of Glory and the Hall of Memory and Sorrow, as well as a temporary exhibition in the Guards Halls, which became the predecessor of the main military-historical exhibition (although half of the exhibits were received for temporary use from other museums).

1995

The official opening of the museum took place on May 9, 1995. 55 delegations from various countries arrived at this celebration, whose leaders left entries in the Book of Honorable Guests.

US President Bill Clinton: “The museum is a historical witness to the war that cannot lie. The museum is raising new heroes who will become heirs to the glory and greatness of the country, an endless source of wisdom. The museum shows that a great nation has great people.”

British Prime Minister John Major: “This is the most wonderful museum, opened on the most significant day.”

The military parade dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the Victory that year was held not only, as usual, on Red Square, but also on Poklonnaya Hill. 10 thousand military personnel of the Russian army, 330 units of military equipment marched in front of the Victory Monument and the museum, 53 planes and 26 helicopters flew in the sky. For the first time, the MIG-31 fighter-interceptor took part in the aerial part of the parade. In the evening, a grand fireworks display was given on Poklonnaya Hill, and the facade of the museum became a screen on which the best films about the war, photographs of battles and veterans were projected.

2017

More than 20 years have passed since that memorable day.

June 22, 2017 Federal State Budgetary Institution of Culture "Central Museum of the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945" received a new abbreviated official name - the Victory Museum.

Today the Victory Museum is one of the leading military-historical museums in the world, an all-Russian scientific-historical and organizational-methodological center on the topics of the Second World War and the Great Patriotic War.

Poklonnaya Hill is a memorable place in Moscow and all of Russia as a whole. Poklonnaya Gora was first mentioned in documents of the 16th century, although at that time it was called somewhat differently - Poklonnaya Gora on the Smolensk (Mozhaisk) road. It is believed that Poklonnaya Hill got its name thanks to an ancient tradition: every person arriving in Moscow and leaving the city bowed to him at this place. It was here that important people—princes, high dignitaries, and ambassadors of foreign states—were greeted with a bow. Napoleon did not receive such an honor. “Napoleon, intoxicated with his last happiness, waited in vain for Moscow, kneeling with the keys of the old Kremlin: No, my Moscow did not go to him with a guilty head...” These unforgettable lines of the greatest Russian poet Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin are associated with the Russian-French war of 1812, when The French emperor, who reached the walls of the capital with his troops, tried in vain to wait for the keys to Moscow from the city authorities.

Memorial complex on Poklonnaya Hill

From time immemorial, Poklonnaya Hill has been one of the holy places of both Moscow and the entire Russian land. From here the Orthodox worshiped her shrines. Years and decades passed, and Poklonnaya Hill became a real symbol, personifying the Russian soul, the Russian character with such qualities as cordiality and hospitality on the one hand, freedom and independence on the other. And first of all, of course, this is connected with the construction of a memorial complex here in honor of the Victory of our people in the Great Patriotic War. This memorial complex and Poklonnaya Hill itself are now strongly associated among Russians with the immortal feat of the Soviet people, performed in the name of saving the Fatherland.

The decision to build the Victory Monument was made on May 31, 1957. On February 23, 1958, a granite foundation stone was installed on Poklonnaya Hill with the inscription: “A monument to the Victory of the Soviet people in the Great Patriotic War of 1941 - 1945 will be built here.” In 1961, Victory Park was laid out on Poklonnaya Hill. But active construction of other components of the memorial complex (the Victory Monument and the Central Museum of the Great Patriotic War of 1941 - 1945) began only in 1985.

On May 9, 1995, on the day of the 50th anniversary of the Victory, the memorial was inaugurated. Leaders from 56 countries of the world attended its opening. Today it consists of several exhibition complexes - an art gallery, a site for military equipment, a military-historical exhibition, dioramas, cinema and concert halls, providing all the necessary conditions for scientific, educational, patriotic and educational work. The exhibition space occupies 44 thousand square meters, where more than 170 thousand exhibits are presented.

The museum is rich not only in its unique exhibits. Here, in a solemn atmosphere, ceremonies of taking the Military Oath of young soldiers and meetings with famous veterans of the Great Patriotic War are held.

Temples of memory on Poklonnaya Hill

The heritage of the Memorial complex is represented not only by the Museum of the Great Patriotic War. Every monument, every building reminds of the feat of such different but united people of the Soviet Union.

On the territory of the memorial complex there are three temples that belong to different religions. This once again characterizes the multinationality of the liberators of our Motherland.

The first to be built was the Church of St. George the Victorious. In 1995, its solemn consecration took place. The shrine of the temple is a particle of the relics of the Great Martyr George the Victorious, donated by the Patriarch of Jerusalem Diodorus.

Two years later, in September 1997, a memorial mosque was opened. This event occurred on the day of the celebration of the 850th anniversary of Moscow.

The Temple of Memory - Synagogue was inaugurated on September 2, 1998. The synagogue building was built based on the concept of Israeli architect Moshe Zarhi. The President of Russia was present at the opening. An exhibition dedicated to Jewish history and the Holocaust was set up in the ground floor and gallery of the prayer hall.

In 2003, the Memorial complex was supplemented by a chapel erected in memory of the Spanish volunteers who died during the Great Patriotic War. In addition, it is planned to build a Buddhist stupa, an Armenian chapel and a Catholic temple on Poklonnaya Hill in Moscow.

Monumental monuments on Poklonnaya Hill

In Victory Park, which is part of the Memorial complex, there is an obelisk 141.8 meters high. This height characterizes 1418 days and nights of the Great Patriotic War. At the hundred-meter mark there is a bronze figure of the Goddess of Victory - Nike.

At the foot of the obelisk, there is a sculpture of St. George the Victorious, who kills a snake with a spear - a symbol of evil. Both sculptures were made by Zurab Tsereteli.

In 2005, a monument to soldiers of the countries participating in the anti-Hitler coalition was unveiled on the Alley of Partisans. UN Secretary General Kofi Annan attended the opening. The author of the monument is Mikhail Pereyaslavets.

In Victory Park there is another beautiful attraction - the flower clock - the largest in the world, the dial diameter of which is 10 m, the length of the minute hand is 4.5 m, and the hour hand is 3.5 m. The total number of flowers planted on the clock is 7910 pcs. The clock mechanism is based on the principles of electromechanics and is controlled by an electronic quartz unit.

The closest metro station to Poklonnaya Gora is Park Pobedy. Immediately upon exiting the station, you will see the Moscow Triumphal Gate, or simply the Arc de Triomphe.

It was built in 1829-1834 according to the design of the architect O. I. Bove, in honor of the victory of the Russian people in the Patriotic War of 1812. Initially, the arch was installed on Tverskaya Zastava Square, on the site of a wooden arch built in 1814 for the ceremonial welcome of Russian troops returning from Paris after the victory over the French troops. Currently, the Triumphal Arch is located on Victory Square, which is crossed by Kutuzovsky Prospekt, very close to Poklonnaya Gora. It was moved to this place in 1966-1968. The Moscow Triumphal Gate in its architecture is reminiscent of the Narva Triumphal Gate in St. Petersburg.

Poklonnaya Hill has become a traditional gathering place for veterans of the Great Patriotic War. Since inexorable time takes us further and further away from those heroic events, it is important to use every opportunity to turn to those memorable days, to tell and show young people how their great-grandfathers fought, defending the freedom and independence of our Motherland. The exhibitions of the memorial on Poklonnaya Hill make it possible to do this.

Photo Memorial complex on Poklonnaya Hill

The territory of the park was first mentioned in the “Chronicle of Bykhovets” in 1368. Historians also claim that in 1612 Hetman Zholkiewski stayed here. The purpose of his visit was to meet the Polish delegation. It is also known that in the fall of 1812, Napoleon was waiting here for the capital’s boyars, who were supposed to hand him the keys to the Kremlin.

As for the opening of the memorial zone, this idea was first voiced by the architect Chernikhov. But his idea did not immediately become a reality. The first sculptural composition was erected here only in 1958. This is a sign decorated with an inscription about the construction of a memorial in honor of the triumph. In the coming months, a park area was created around it, and monuments and buildings began to be erected during the reign of Brezhnev. The entire territory of the complex was officially opened on May 9, 1995.

What is important to know about the park

Victory Park, located next to Poklonnaya Gora, is a whole system of alleys decorated with sculptures and temples. The central part is the main alley, called “Years of War”. It includes five terraces, symbolizing 5 years of battle. And the number of days of the war is indicated by the number of fountains, of which there are exactly 1418. As soon as it gets dark, the red lights turn on here, thanks to which Muscovites call the fountains “bloody”.

In addition to a large number of monuments and sculptures, the park is distinguished by beautiful nature with well-groomed flower beds and lawns. Some of them are laid out in the form of ribbons, inscriptions and clocks. In addition to the park alleys, Poklonnaya Gora is also considered a favorite place for visitors. Despite the fact that earlier from its top there was a view of the main attractions of Moscow, which were later blocked by high-rise buildings, today you can also enjoy a picturesque view from here.

Not long ago, a tradition developed in the capital according to which newlyweds come here on their wedding day to lay flowers at the monuments. If you are lucky enough to be here during the peak wedding season, then you will definitely appreciate the indescribable atmosphere of the celebration, when dozens of young couples stroll along the alleys of the park with bouquets.

The most varied leisure activities are possible on the territory of the memorial complex. For example, its landscaped alleys are great for skateboarding or cycling. In spring and summer, young people from different parts of Moscow come here to demonstrate their skills in extreme sports.

Main attractions of the park

Museum of the Great Patriotic War

This exposition is recognized as the central dominant of the park. It includes two exhibitions: military history, where you can see a complete chronicle of the war years, and art. The key element of the museum is a diorama consisting of 6 compositions. Each of them is dedicated to the decisive battle of the war.

In addition to the museum complex, the exhibition also covers part of the park area. There is a huge exhibition of military equipment right in the open air. Here you will see a variety of models of domestic tanks, aircraft, self-propelled guns, combat vehicles of Germany and other countries. There are more than 300 exhibits in total.

Victory Monument

The main square of the park is decorated with a majestic monument reaching 141.8 meters in height. This figure symbolically reflects 1418 days of the victorious battle. At an altitude of 100 meters there is a bronze sculpture of the ancient Greek goddess of victory Nike surrounded by angels. And the granite base of the monument is guarded by St. George the Victorious, piercing a snake with a weapon.

Temple of St. George the Victorious

Another important landmark of the complex, built next to it on May 9, 1994. It is interesting that the temple was built entirely with municipal funds, and its architectural design belonged to the master Polyansky. The illumination of the landmark took place on May 6, 1995, by the famous capital Patriarch Alexei II.

Today, the architectural style of the temple is classified as postmodernism, although thanks to its decor the shrine is more reminiscent of an example of ancient Russian architecture. In addition to its impressive appearance, the temple is also interesting for its interior design. In addition to icons of saints, here you can see military attributes and a memorial to fallen soldiers. The main relic of the shrine is considered to be the relics of the Great Martyr George.

This temple is one of the main symbols of the memorial complex. Much of the triumph of the Russian army is associated with the name of St. George the Victorious, the patron saint of war.

Monument "Tragedy of the People"

The architectural monument was built in 1997 in honor of the victims of the genocide. Its author was the famous sculptor Zurab Tsereteli. At first glance, the monument discourages visitors, because it depicts naked figures with shaved heads. In this way, the author tried to convey the idea that people are in line to die.

Memorial Mosque

Some visitors to the park are surprised to see a Muslim mosque on its territory. This shrine was erected in 1997 in honor of Muslim soldiers who died in the war.

Despite the fact that the building is built from reinforced concrete structures, thanks to the red decorative brick and white stone it looks quite sophisticated. The main entrance to the shrine is decorated with a high portal. On the left side of it you can see a brass board decorated with a Russian inscription. Opposite you can see the same inscription, but only in Arabic. Here you can read the date and reason for the opening of the mosque.

The halls of the temple are painted with ornaments and decorated with snow-white carvings. The key element of the decor is a huge crystal chandelier, shaped like a crescent.

Holocaust Memorial Synagogue and Museum

This temple was erected in honor of the 6 million Jews who died. Thus, Russia expressed sympathy and respect for the Jewish people, who were massacred during the war.

Designed by architects Zarkhi and Budaev, today the building is recognized as one of the best examples of synagogue architecture. The interior decoration of the shrine, designed in a solemn and austere palette, is considered no less impressive.

Looking into the synagogue, you will see an exhibition dedicated to the history of the Jewish nation, which settled in Russia. Here you can learn about the contribution of Jews to the culture and economy of Russia. Among the exhibits, the most noteworthy are various ritual attributes, including bells, crowns, candlesticks, ceremonial cups, silver jewelry and much more.

Monument to Internationalist Soldiers

One of the new monuments, erected on December 27, 2004. This date is associated with the 25th anniversary of the appearance of Russian troops in Afghanistan. The monument depicts a huge bronze figure of a soldier holding a weapon in his hands.

Note. If you are traveling through the streets of the capital for the first time, we recommend visiting Victory Park during one of the sightseeing tours presented on the Sputnik portal. In just a few hours you will see the main symbols of Moscow and learn many interesting facts from the life of the city.

In general, Victory Park is not only an excellent opportunity to relax with loved ones among the picturesque alleys, but also a reason not to forget about important stages of the country’s history.

How to get there

Victory Park is surrounded by more than 4 streets. On one side it intersects with Kutuzovsky Prospekt, on the western part it is surrounded by Minskaya Street, on the eastern part by Fonchenko Brothers Street, and in the south it borders the railway station. Part of the recreation area is occupied by Poklonnaya Gora, next to which there are 2 metro stations: “Minskaya” and “Park Pobedy”.

The most convenient way to get to the complex will be by metro. From the stops listed above, getting here on foot is not difficult. A 140-meter stele, which is visible from afar, will serve as a guide.

You can also get to Victory Park by car. Passage is allowed to the main and western entrances. If you are planning a route in a navigator, then you can set General Ermolov Street 4 or Minskaya Street as the final destination.