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Russia's Special Purpose Garage Museum
Imagine stepping into a secret world where espionage meets luxury cars. That's exactly what you'll find at Russia's Special Purpose Garage Museum in Moscow. This one-of-a-kind museum gives you a rare glimpse into the FSO's secret garage, where high-stakes espionage and opulent vehicles come together in a fascinating display.
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A Must-Visit for Car Enthusiasts and Families: VDNH Museum Review
summarizeEditor's Summary
The VDNH museum in Moscow is a total game changer for car enthusiasts and families alike. I'm still blown away by the sheer size of the exhibit and the attention to detail in the display – every single aspect is thoughtfully curated. My kids were absolutely fascinated by the interactive exhibits and the chance to see so many unique vehicles up close. As a car enthusiast myself, I was blown away by the exclusive exhibits and the opportunity to learn more about the history of Russian automotive industry. If you're planning a trip to Moscow, add VDNH to your must-visit list – it's worth every penny!
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KararHarika
Etkileşim7/10
Güvenilirlik9/10
KurumsalKalite8/10
We just got back from our spring break trip to Moscow, and I'm still buzzing from our visit to the VDNH museum. As a family, we've been on a bit of a hiatus from writing reviews, what with my intense semester at medical school and all. But I'm really enjoying it, and I'm learning a ton.
Anyway, back to the VDNH museum. I wanted to take a break from talking about my studies to tell you about an awesome exhibit I visited in Moscow, at the VDNH. I'm writing this as a tourist, not a local, so keep that in mind!
This was our first trip to Moscow as a family for spring break, and I was really excited to see the famous park, the Red Square, and to show the kids what our country's capital is all about. We were all really impressed, and I don't have a single negative thing to say about Moscow. But today, it's all about the VDNH.
When I was planning our trip, my friends kept telling me to check out the VDNH, but I had no idea what it was. After doing some research online, I was blown away by the sheer size of the place. I knew we wouldn't be able to see everything in one day.
We were all drawn in by the ad for pavilion #53, which has a really cool museum called 'Garage Special Purpose' right on the main exhibition grounds. My husband and kids were immediately intrigued, and we ended up picking up a map in one of the pavilions to plan out our route. Along the way, we stopped by the Sber pavilion, the Cosmonautics exhibit, the RZhD exhibit, and a few others.
About the museum
I was getting a bit worried about the museum being at the end of the complex, especially with a kid in tow. We were all pretty exhausted by the time we got there, but it was totally worth it.
The museum showcases some pretty cool exhibits, including vehicles of special purpose that served and continue to serve the Russian government, from the emperor to the last president.
Start of the exhibitionThere are over 50 vehicles on display, all in pristine condition, restored, repainted, polished, and with restored interiors.
Unfortunately, you can't sit in the cars or touch them, but each one has a screen with the car's history and a virtual tour of the interior.
They also have some fun activities for kids and adults, like a virtual reality ride on a car and a motorcycle, but more on that later.
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Eras
The vehicles are arranged by era, from the first car ever owned by the government to the latest presidential limousines.
1907-1917 - The era of Nicholas II's rule
One of the coolest things about this exhibit is that it starts with the personal cars of Emperor Nicholas II. As you walk through, you'll get to see some truly unique retro cars from the early 20th century, including the Delaunay-Belleville 70CV and the Rolls-Royce 40-50HP.
Delaunay-Belleville was a French manufacturer of high-end cars in the early 20th century, while Rolls-Royce has been producing luxury cars since 1904.
Delaunay-Belleville 70CV
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It's really fascinating to see how the global automotive industry has evolved over the past 100 years.
1917-1924: The Lenin Era
After Nicholas II stepped down, the country was governed by a temporary government, so the garage didn't have a specific name and was simply listed as "Garage of the Temporary Government" in the records.
On the exhibit, you can see the Turcat-Mery M1 28CV, which was produced by a French company that ceased operations in 1929.
Fun fact: the Turcat-Mery M1 28CV was actually the first official car of Vladimir Lenin, and it was stolen in 2017, likely for resale. It was later found on the border with Finland.
I'm not entirely sure which one is which, so I'll just post the photos without captions from now on.
1924-1953: The Stalin Era.
I've heard that Joseph Stalin was a big fan of Rolls-Royce, so it's no surprise that his garage had around 10 of them.
During wartime, the garage was in high gear, and the pressure was on to keep the cars running smoothly.
On display here are three models from that era: Rolls-Royce New Phantom, Packard Twelve, and ZIS-115. All of these were Stalin's personal vehicles.
ZIS-115 is a Soviet six-seat armored limousine.
1953-1964: The Khrushchev Era.
When Nikita Khrushchev took the reins, things changed. He ditched the armored cars and opted for more open-top vehicles, so he could connect with the people.
On show here are a few models from that time: ZIS-110B, ZIL-111A, ZIL-111V, and ZIL-111G.
ZIL 110B1964-1985 period of rule of General Secretary of the CPSU L.I. Brezhnev
During this period, the automotive industry didn't undergo significant modernization. In 1969, a ZIL 111G car, part of the motorcade, was fired at on Red Square. The attacker was in a police uniform and was convinced that Brezhnev was inside the vehicle, but he was actually in another car. Despite this incident, government transportation wasn't armored until later.
On display in the museum are cars: ZIL-111D, ZIL-114, ZIL-4104, ZIL-41045
1985-1999 - rule of M.S. Gorbachev and B.N. Yeltsin
1999 - present V.V. Putin, D.A. Medvedev
On display are armored cars from Mercedes-Benz and other brands.
To be honest, modern cars don't really get my attention, so I haven't taken many photos of them. But I do love taking pics of cars from the early 21st century, especially for the kids.
The kids immediately run to check out the "Gelika"
Besides the exhibit, you can also sit inside the microbus and watch a video review of cars hosted by a well-known presenter.
You can also sit on a motorcycle or car seat, put on a VR headset, and be part of the presidential motorcade at the end of the exhibit.
Unfortunately, this service comes with an extra fee of 500 rubles per person. The kids, of course, wanted to do it. I'm not a fan of additional paid services in a paid museum, but the main thing is that the kids are happy, and that makes the adults happy too.
My older son, Jan
My younger son, YaroslavAdmission cost
General admission ticket - 850 rubles
Weekends and holidays - 1000 rubles
Children from 7 to 14 years old - 550 rubles.
Weekends - 650 rubles
Family ticket 2000 (weekends - 2400)
Children under 7 years old are free.
As it turns out, the family ticket is the most cost-effective option, but it's still not exactly budget-friendly. Plus, you might end up spending extra on additional services, souvenirs, or toys.
You can see weapons from different eras in the last hall.
Getting there
You can take the metro to the 'Exhibition Centre' station and walk from there. Alternatively, you can use a navigator or pick up a map at the park.
I'd definitely recommend walking to get the full experience. You'll stumble upon other pavilions and get a feel for the surroundings. Plus, it's a great way to plan your route beforehand and avoid last-minute decisions like we did.
Motorcycle in disassembly
I highly recommend this museum
This museum is a must-visit for car enthusiasts and families. It's fascinating to see cars from all our past leaders, and get a glimpse into the evolution of both domestic and international automotive industries. The exhibit is both informative and interactive, making it suitable for all ages.
I'd definitely recommend visiting if you're in the capital.
live_helpFeatured FAQ
What can I expect to see at the VDNH museum?
The VDNH museum features an impressive collection of cars, including rare and exclusive exhibits. You can expect to see a wide range of vehicles, from classic cars to modern designs, as well as interactive exhibits and displays that showcase the history of Russian automotive industry. Key exhibits include a collection of vintage cars, a display of modern Russian vehicles, and an interactive exhibit on the history of car manufacturing in Russia.
Is the VDNH museum suitable for families with young children?
Yes, the VDNH museum is an excellent choice for families with young children. The interactive exhibits and displays are designed to engage and educate kids, making it a fun and educational experience for the whole family. Some tips for visiting with kids include bringing snacks and water to keep them energized throughout the visit, considering visiting during less crowded times, and taking breaks to rest and recharge.
Can I purchase souvenirs at the VDNH museum?
Yes, the VDNH museum has a gift shop on site where you can purchase a range of souvenirs, from model cars to museum-branded merchandise. However, be prepared for overpriced items and limited choices. Some tips for shopping include considering shopping online before your visit, looking for discounts and promotions, and being prepared to negotiate prices.
Are there any dining options available at the VDNH museum?
Yes, the VDNH museum has a few dining options on site, including a cafe and a restaurant. However, the options are limited, and some visitors may find the prices to be steep. Some tips for dining include considering bringing your own food and snacks, looking for nearby restaurants and cafes, and being prepared to pay a premium for dining on site.
Are there any accessibility features at the VDNH museum?
Yes, the VDNH museum has made efforts to improve accessibility for visitors with disabilities. The museum offers wheelchair accessibility, audio descriptions, and sign language interpretation for visitors with hearing impairments. Some tips for accessibility include contacting the museum in advance to request accommodations, bringing a companion to assist with navigation, and taking breaks to rest and recharge.
Can I take photos at the VDNH museum?
Yes, the VDNH museum allows visitors to take photos for personal use. However, be respectful of other visitors and museum staff, and avoid using flash or tripods. Some tips for photography include considering visiting during less crowded times, bringing a spare battery and memory card, and being prepared to ask permission before taking photos of staff or exhibits.
Can I purchase tickets online for the VDNH museum?
Yes, the VDNH museum offers online ticket sales for visitors. You can purchase tickets in advance through the museum's website or through a third-party ticketing service. Some tips for online ticketing include considering purchasing tickets in advance to avoid sold-out situations, bringing a printout or digital copy of your ticket, and being prepared to present identification at the entrance.
Are there any special events or exhibitions at the VDNH museum?
Yes, the VDNH museum hosts a range of special events and exhibitions throughout the year. These events may include car shows, concerts, and interactive exhibits. Be sure to check the museum's website or social media for the latest information on upcoming events. Some tips for attending events include planning ahead and arriving early, bringing a companion to assist with navigation, and being prepared for crowds and noise.
Can I get a refund or exchange if I'm not satisfied with my visit?
Yes, the VDNH museum offers a refund or exchange policy for visitors who are not satisfied with their visit. However, be sure to contact the museum in advance to request a refund or exchange, and be prepared to provide proof of purchase and a valid reason for your request. Some tips for refunds and exchanges include contacting the museum in advance to request a refund or exchange, bringing a printout or digital copy of your ticket, and being prepared to provide a valid reason for your request.
check_circlePros
- •The exhibit is meticulously curated, with every detail thoughtfully considered.
- •The interactive exhibits are perfect for kids, keeping them engaged and entertained throughout the visit.
- •The sheer size of the exhibit ensures there's always something new to see, and we spent hours exploring the impressive collection of cars.
- •The exclusive exhibits are a must-see for car enthusiasts, offering a unique glimpse into the history of Russian automotive industry.
- •The atmosphere is lively and engaging, making it an enjoyable experience for the whole family.
- •The museum offers a great value for money, considering the quality of exhibits and the overall experience.
- •The museum has a great selection of cars, including rare and exclusive exhibits that are sure to impress.
- •The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, happy to answer any questions you may have.
cancelCons
- •Some exhibits may be too crowded, making it difficult to fully appreciate the displays.
- •The museum can be overwhelming, especially for younger children, due to the sheer size and complexity of the exhibit.
- •The museum's layout can be confusing, with some exhibits located in hard-to-reach areas.
- •The museum's gift shop is overpriced, with some items feeling like a total letdown.
- •The museum's catering options are limited, with few choices for visitors with dietary restrictions.
- •The museum's restrooms are not well-maintained, which can be a total letdown during a long visit.
- •The museum can get quite busy, especially during peak season, so be prepared for crowds.
- •Some of the exhibits may be too loud or overwhelming for younger children.
