Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure

Gorky Central Park of Culture and Recreation is Moscow's most famous park, stretching over 120 hectares along the banks of the Moskva River. In 1923, the First All-Russian Agricultural, Craft, and Industrial Exhibition opened on a site that combined the extensive gardens of the old Golitsyn Hospital and the Neskuchny Palace. Five years later, in 1928, the exhibition grounds were transformed into a park for culture and recreation, designed by Konstantin Melnikov, a Soviet avant-garde and constructivist architect, and in 1932, it was named after the Russian writer Maxim Gorky. While trees and shrubs were mainly planted after World War II, avenues, stages, the large colonnade, an observatory, and a Ferris wheel were built in the 1950s. In the 1990s, part of the park was transformed into an amusement park with 73 attractions. In 2011, Sergei Kapkov, the park's new director, decided on a large-scale reconstruction, removing the attractions to make way for lawns, flowerbeds, sports and dance facilities, and, in winter, a 15,000 m² ice rink. In 2018, the Garage Museum, designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas, opened its doors, completing the reconstruction. In 1983, the park became known in the West primarily through the film "Gorky Park," one of the reasons we visit. A beautiful park with plenty to do surrounded by nature!

One of my favorites in Moscow. First the entrance is so grand and you feel you might be entering a palace. The park is so huge that’s it’s hard to cover all of it. There are walking areas, cycling areas, small stores for food, a fountain and we were fortunate to see a small musical show of it (see video), playing areas and more. One can totally spend a full day here.

Vast, amusing and refreshing city park along the Moscova with plenty of attractions for everybody, from sport courts to long leisure walks to gardens with odd statues and anything in-between. Widely popular with local and rather crowded over weekends with festivals and gatherings of any kind.

Central Park is not close to what this amazing green park has to offer - most importantly SAFE and full of nature. Amazing highly recommended to visit when in Moscow

I recently visited this park along the Moscow River in Russia, and it proved to be a delightful experience. While the park was undergoing renovations, limiting my exploration within, the stroll along the Moscow River more than made up for it. The serene ambiance and scenic views provided a soothing escape. I can only imagine how wonderful it will be once the renovations are complete. Definitely worth a visit, especially for the picturesque river walk!

Thanks to THE Scorpions song, I already knew its existence before that thought of visiting Russia back before 2016 It is a really big park with lots of gardens, activities, food stalls, concert areas, long lines of benches by the canal, jogging tracks, various plants trees and flowers and many more in store I was walking with my friend towards the sunset in spring and summer season and loving each and every step. Out of awareness, I walked from one Metro Station to the other, and the next one!! Well I wish it has more portable toilets but I think this park is a MUST visit for everyone I really want to come back here next year! See you real soon Gorky!

What a nice leisurely park. It is massive in size and clean. What makes it safer is it attracts a lot of tourists and localities. You may see military events happening there on special occasions. The park is popular among localities and tourists. You can spot bars and cafes. Floral beautification is incredible. You can find playing courts, lakes and enjoy boating there. The end of the Gorky park touches banks the Moskva river. The place is ideal for capturing some stunning views of Moscow city. I took a taxi from Christ the Saviour church to Gorky Park. It is a highly recommended place to visit.

“Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure is a vast and beautiful park, perfect for walking and enjoying the outdoors. The open spaces are impressive, offering plenty of room to stroll, relax, or engage in outdoor activities. The park’s layout is well-designed, with wide pathways and lush greenery that create a peaceful and refreshing atmosphere. One of the highlights of this park is how spacious it is, making it an ideal place for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re looking for a quiet walk, a spot for a picnic, or simply a place to unwind, the park caters to everyone. The open areas are perfect for jogging, cycling, or even just sitting on a bench and enjoying the scenery. The park also offers a variety of attractions and activities, from cultural events to small cafes where you can grab a coffee or snack. It’s a lively space that combines leisure and relaxation, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists. What makes this park truly special is the calm and welcoming vibe it offers in the middle of the city. It’s the kind of place where you can spend hours exploring or simply enjoy a moment of tranquility surrounded by nature. If you’re visiting the area, this park is a must-see, offering a perfect blend of culture, leisure, and natural beauty.”