
Worker and Kolkhoz Woman
A colossal 24.5m stainless steel sculpture symbolizing Soviet unity, originally for the 1937 Paris Expo.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos

Worker and Kolkhoz Woman
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A colossal 24.5m stainless steel sculpture symbolizing Soviet unity, originally for the 1937 Paris Expo.
"Epic soviet monument with beautiful landscape, spectacular during the night."

📸 Capture the Scale
Get shots from different angles to truly convey the immense size of this iconic monument.
✨ See it Lit Up
The sculpture is absolutely spectacular when illuminated at night. Don't miss it!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Sculpture
VDNKh Park
A colossal 24.5-meter stainless steel masterpiece symbolizing Soviet unity and progress.

Illuminated Nighttime Spectacle
VDNKh Park
Witness the sculpture dramatically lit up after dark, creating a breathtaking visual experience.

The Pedestal Museum
Base of the sculpture
Explore the exhibition center housed within the sculpture's pedestal, delving into its history and art.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Views
Understanding the Monument's Significance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Scale
Get shots from different angles to truly convey the immense size of this iconic monument.
✨ See it Lit Up
The sculpture is absolutely spectacular when illuminated at night. Don't miss it!
🚶♀️ Walk from Nearby Hotels
If staying at hotels like Kosmos, it's an easy and scenic walk to the monument.
💡 Understand the History
Learn about its creation for the 1937 Paris Expo to fully appreciate its significance.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Scale
Get shots from different angles to truly convey the immense size of this iconic monument.
✨ See it Lit Up
The sculpture is absolutely spectacular when illuminated at night. Don't miss it!
🚶♀️ Walk from Nearby Hotels
If staying at hotels like Kosmos, it's an easy and scenic walk to the monument.
💡 Understand the History
Learn about its creation for the 1937 Paris Expo to fully appreciate its significance.
🏛️ Visit the Pedestal Museum
The museum inside the base offers fascinating insights into the sculpture's past.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently awestruck by the sheer scale and artistic power of the 'Worker and Kolkhoz Woman' sculpture, often describing it as a magnificent and epic Soviet monument. Its dramatic illumination at night is a particular highlight, making it a must-visit landmark. While the sculpture itself is free to view, the museum in its pedestal offers deeper historical context.
"I remember seeing that monument as a child in my history book at school, and loving this art piece, but seeing it some 15 years later in real life was incredible !
What’s also incredible is that this huge sculpture, built in the USSR, was displayed at the 1937 Paris Universal Exposition on the Trocadéro square but then sadly damaged during its transfer back to Moscow !"
Xavier
"Epic soviet monument with beautiful landscape."
Kayvan
"Beautiful sculpture located beside VDNKh. Looks beautiful during the day and absolutely spectacular during the night. Must visit!"
Mustafa Shahid
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The sculpture is located at VDNKh Park in Moscow. You can reach it via the metro, with VDNKh station being the closest. Many visitors also find it easily accessible from nearby hotels like the Kosmos Hotel.
Yes, VDNKh Park has parking facilities. However, public transport is often recommended due to potential traffic and ease of access to the park's attractions.
Absolutely! The 'Worker and Kolkhoz Woman' is a central feature of VDNKh, and it's a pleasant walk from other popular spots within the park.
While walking is great, VDNKh is a large park. You can also use the park's internal transport options or rent bikes to easily navigate between attractions, including the sculpture.
Yes, VDNKh is a popular and generally safe public space, especially during daylight hours and early evening when it's well-lit and frequented by visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The sculpture itself is an outdoor monument and can be viewed from the outside for free. However, there is a museum located in the pedestal which requires an admission ticket.
The museum's operating hours can vary, but it is generally open during the day. It's advisable to check the official VDNKh website or the museum's specific page for the most up-to-date information.
Ticket prices for the museum vary. It's best to check the official VDNKh website for current admission fees and any potential discounts.
The sculpture is beautifully illuminated at night and can be admired from the outside. The museum inside the pedestal typically closes in the early evening, so check its hours if you wish to visit then.
VDNKh offers various attractions, and sometimes combined tickets or passes are available. Inquire at the VDNKh information center or check their website for current offers that might include the museum.
📸 📸 Photography
For stunning photos, consider visiting during the 'golden hour' shortly after sunrise or before sunset for beautiful lighting. The sculpture is also dramatically lit at night, offering a different, equally impressive photographic opportunity.
Generally, photography of the exterior sculpture is allowed and encouraged. If you visit the museum inside the pedestal, there might be specific rules regarding photography within the exhibition spaces.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the full scale of the sculpture. For nighttime shots, a tripod will be essential for stability and to achieve good exposure.
Drone usage in Moscow, especially in public parks like VDNKh, is often restricted and requires special permits. It's best to check current regulations with local authorities before attempting to fly a drone.
The area directly in front of the sculpture offers a classic view. For a different perspective, try framing it with elements of VDNKh park or capturing its reflection if there are nearby water features.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
You can admire the massive sculpture from the outside, visit the museum in its pedestal to learn about its history and creation, and enjoy the surrounding VDNKh park.
To fully appreciate the sculpture and visit the museum, allocate at least 1-2 hours. If you plan to explore more of VDNKh, you could easily spend half a day or more.
The VDNKh park grounds are generally accessible. The museum within the pedestal should also have accessibility features, but it's recommended to confirm directly with the museum for specific details.
Guided tours for VDNKh are often available and can provide in-depth historical context for the 'Worker and Kolkhoz Woman' and other park landmarks. Check with VDNKh information centers for tour options.
The sculpture is located within the expansive VDNKh park, which features numerous pavilions, fountains, the Museum of Cosmonautics, and the Moskvarium aquarium.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack snacks and drinks, as VDNKh is a large park and you might be doing a lot of walking. The illuminated sculpture at night can be a magical sight for families, but ensure you have a plan for getting back to your accommodation safely and efficiently.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't forget to explore the surrounding VDNKh park for complementary shots. The architecture of the pavilions and the fountains can add context and beauty to your portfolio. Golden hour light can also create stunning effects on the metallic surface of the sculpture.
🏛️ History Buffs & Art Lovers
Consider researching Vera Mukhina and Boris Iofan beforehand to fully appreciate their artistic vision and the engineering challenges they overcame. The sculpture is a prime example of socialist realism and its impact on public art during the 20th century.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Artistry and Symbolism of the Sculpture
The sculpture's construction from stainless steel was a significant engineering feat for its time, weighing 60 tons. Its design was revolutionary, featuring a dynamic, upward thrust that conveyed a sense of optimism and forward momentum. The hammer and sickle, iconic symbols of the USSR, are central to its message, representing the alliance between the proletariat and the peasantry. The sculpture's artistic merit and ideological message made it an instant symbol of Soviet power and artistic achievement.
Beyond its initial exhibition, the 'Worker and Kolkhoz Woman' has become an enduring symbol. It famously served as the official emblem of the Mosfilm cinema studio, appearing at the beginning of many Soviet and Russian films. Its presence at VDNKh, a vast exhibition center showcasing Soviet achievements, further cemented its status as a national icon. Despite its historical context, the sculpture continues to captivate visitors with its sheer scale and artistic impact, prompting discussions about Soviet art, ideology, and national identity.
From Paris to Moscow: The Sculpture's Journey
After its triumphant display in Paris, the monumental task of transporting the 60-ton sculpture back to Moscow began. This was no small feat, involving dismantling and reassembling the massive structure. Unfortunately, the transfer process was not without incident, and the sculpture sustained some damage during its journey. Despite these setbacks, it was eventually re-erected at its current location at VDNKh, where it has stood as a prominent landmark ever since.
The pedestal of the sculpture was later transformed into a museum, offering visitors a deeper understanding of its creation, exhibition in Paris, and its significance in Soviet art history. This museum provides context for the sculpture's powerful symbolism and its role in the broader narrative of the Soviet era.

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