19th-century costumes, terracotta warriors and maiolica figurines: what VDNKh exhibitions to visit in October and November

Autumn is the best time for touring around VDNKh’s museums to learn amazing things about the history of the country's main exhibition and wonderful traditions of Ancient China. Visitors will also discover the amazing world of the Star Wars film saga directed by George Lucas, hear the story of the thousands-strong Terracotta Army created in the 3rd century BC by the first Chinese emperor Qin Shi Huang and see 19th century fashionable clothes, unique motorcycles and bright maiolica figurines created by Soviet craftsmen in the mid-20th century.

VDNKh’s history and intergalactic travel setting

Those who wish to learn more about how they were building VDNKh in the 1930s and 1950s are recommended to visit the Worker and Collective Farm Woman pavilion, which hosts the exhibition VDNKh: City of Dreams. 85th Anniversary of the Center Stage, dedicated to the landmark and significant events in the history of the country's main exhibition. The screens play rare archival video footage and feature films shot at VDNKh in different years. The New Era hall with a huge map of the growing Museum City shows how VDNKh has evolved over the past decade. The exhibition will run until November 5 and welcomes visitors 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily, except Monday.

The VDNKh Museum invites to visit its exhibition called The Tales of Moscow Maiolica displaying unique ceramic products created of 1952—1960 at the Gzhel Porcelain Factory (located in the village of Rechitsy, Ramenskoye, Moscow Region) and at Sculpture and Art factory No. 1 in Moscow. Maiolica is glazed ceramic ware of different colors; the exhibition presents some maiolica sculptures that used to decorate home interiors and were sold as souvenirs. Visitors are welcome until January 12, 2025.

Fans of George Lucas' Star Wars film series are invited to attend the exhibition In a Galaxy Far, Far Away, in Pavilion No. 21. Guests will learn many interesting facts about the famous film, immerse themselves into the setting of intergalactic travel, feel like part of the movie series universe. They will also see many costumes for main characters, such as Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Master Yoda, Darth Vader, and others — over 200 exhibits in all, including robotic alien creatures and space technology. It is open every day 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Buy a ticket if you wish to attend.

Terracotta Officers and Leo Tolstoy's lifework

To get an insight into the history of Ancient China, visit the re-enactment exhibition The Terracotta Army. Immortal Warriors of China in Pavilion No. 22, its halls displaying life-size clay statues of warriors, horses, chariots, and ancient weapons; all terracotta originals are kept in China and are listed in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The famous army was ordered by the first Chinese Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the 3rd century BC. It contains more than 8,000 clay sculptures, so visitors will find out what Chinese infantrymen, archers, crossbowmen and mid- and high-ranking officers looked like in ancient times. The exhibition also includes a collection of clothes worn by people of different Chinese classes, from peasants to the nobility and the emperor. Visitors are welcome daily 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Tickets are available online.

Those who are enthusiastic about technology will be interested in the MotoLegends exhibition in the Museum of the Special Purpose Garage of the Federal Protective Service of Russia (Pavilion No. 54), which explores the evolution of motorcycles, from the early days models to contemporary superbikes. The exhibition offers more than 40 pieces, including rare exhibits, such as motorcycles and mopeds that were designed both in the USSR and in motorcycle factories in other countries. The exhibition is open Tuesday to Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; closes on Monday.

Another remarkable VDNKh’s display is Leo Tolstoy. War and Peace. Living Pages in Pavilion No. 61, with the focus on the lifework of the great Russian writer. Visitors are invited to take a closer look at the key events and main characters of the epic novel through exhibits, visual materials, and multimediа. The exhibition in fact displays the novel’s drafts, authentic military shells from the early 19th century, and old illustrations for the work, in addition to fashionable outfits of the novel’s characters, e.g., dresses, uniforms, hats, top hats, etc. With advanced technology, everyone will be able to learn a waltz, play old card games and gain some facts about noble duels. The exhibition can be visited Tuesday through Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

VDNKh is Moscow’s major landmark and a recognized international exhibition center, a museum town, and a trendy education and recreation area for both Muscovites and tourists. Spanning over 325 hectares, it hosts numerous important culture, science and business events attended by tens of thousands of visitors.  This year VDNKh hit the 85-year mark.