In early spring, the Exhibition unveiled its long-awaited novelty—new and improved audio guides for the exhibition complex. All are invited to take part in a sightseeing tour of VDNH and discover interesting facts about its 81-year history. This walking tour lasts 1.5–2 hours.
The improved audio guide of VDNH is a fascinating interactive journey where history and modernity intertwine. The route includes the Exhibition's primary landmarks as well as its more obscure masterpieces. Each of them are afforded a small, insightful story. The audio guide includes architectural commentary, curious facts and historical details—it has something for everyone.
Along the tour, listeners will discover what was previously located along the Exhibition complex, as well as how and why the names and appearances of the pavilions have changed. The audio guide discusses striking architectural details. For example: why lanterns resemble ears of corn, who is depicted in the statues in the fountains and façades, why Siberian workers are seen on the Armenian Pavilion and why the Chemical Industry Pavilion contains Lithuanian decorations. You can discover why the chestnut alley is known as the Alley of Cosmonauts, why the tallest oak tree is named Sheremetyev and where exactly a functioning nuclear reactor was installed at the Exhibition.
The text of the audio guide was written by VDNH historians based on archival materials. It was performed in a bright and lively language. The audio guide programme is presented theatrically, featuring immersive interludes that allow visitors to fully experience the atmosphere of by-gone eras and feel like participants in the past while taking a fresh look at the realities of today.
You can complete the tour by following a recommended numbered route, or you can go in any order that you prefer.
You can order the audio guide at the Information Centres in the left wing of the Main Entrance Arch and at the Central Alley. Price: RUB 300. This service is part of the loyalty programme Friends of VDNH. Members of the programme collect points and receive discounts worth up to 20% when visiting museum and exposition venues and sports grounds at VDNH.