Special Exhibitions
The “Days of Moscow Culture in Bangkok” exhibition
Moscow today is a dynamically developing metropolis that is carefully preserving its historical heritage and looking forward to the third millennium. In 2017, the Russian capital celebrates its 870th anniversary. Modern Moscow is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and a giant one, spanning dozens of kilometres, whose look and everyday life are permeated with the rhythms of the 21st century; yet at the same time it’s also a city that retains its unique identity: business and shopping centres, as well as residential neighbourhoods of the 2010s exist here side by side with the merchants’ and noblemen’s mansions and estates of the past centuries, giving the capital’s appearance a striking and colourful character. When it comes to sightseeing, over the past decade the number of Moscow’s gems has grown significantly: in 2016, 159 historical and cultural monuments were renovated and modern business centres were built that have become the architectural symbols of the 21st century, such as the Dominion Tower – the last work of the world-renowned architect ZahaHadid, the Federation Tower – the tallest skyscraper in Europe (374 m) and many others. 52 sports arenas, many of which will go down in the capital’s architectural history are set to be opened in 2017, the main one being the Luzhniki Stadium, and by 2018 Moscow will be fully provided with sports infrastructure. In addition to the construction of sports facilities, the Master Plan for the development of Moscow until 2025 provides for the creation of all the necessary conditions for a comfortable life in the largest city in Russia and Europe where more than 12 million people live: the extension of the metro lines, the construction of residential complexes, new roads, pedestrian crossings and green spaces.
In 2012, under the “New Moscow” project the territory of the city has grown 2 and a half times, and the population has also increased. To unload the city centre, the construction of residential complexes and the infrastructure was moved to new areas. The large-scale construction of the Moscow Ring Road has enabled to link together the outskirts of Moscow and to prevent trucks from passing through the city centre. The Moscow Central Circle (MCC), integrated into the metro system, has become an essential part of the city’s transport system, which makes it possible to save a considerable amount of time during trips around the capital and when travelling to the garden and park ensembles of Moscow. Some 90 million people are expected to use the surface metro (MCC) in 2017. The most important for the city is the Moscow Metro, which is used by about 9 million people daily. 190 unique metro stations represent a genuine underground architectural monument, with 44 stations having been named objects of cultural significance. Buses, trolleybuses, trams and shuttle buses carry more than 12 million passengers a day. Moscow has always been the heart and soul of Russia, attracting people from all over the vast country and offering them broad opportunities for study, work and creativity. Today Moscow has 264 higher education institutions and some four hundred libraries, including the largest book depository in the country – the Russian State (Lenin) Library.
All major world religions are represented in Moscow. 1,000 religious associations represent more than 50 different religious trends. The largest of these religious organisations is the Russian Orthodox Church, whose main cathedral – the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour – is located in Moscow.
Moscow is a major cultural and tourist centre in Europe and around the world, with a rich historical and cultural potential. The modern capital has more than 100 theatres, over 400 museums and exhibition halls and 100 cinemas. Among Moscow’s architectural monuments included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, the most prominent one is undoubtedly the Moscow Kremlin. Nowadays the Kremlin is the official residence of the President of the Russian Federation. On the territory of the largest fortress in Europe – at the Kremlin, built in the 16th century – the main Russian Cathedrals, the Kremlin Museums, the Armoury Chamber, the Diamond Fund and the world-famous Tsar Cannon and the Tsar Bell are located.
The capital of Russia is a city where the past and the future merge together, a city where classic architecture, estates and monasteries stand side by side with the newest urban complexes. A welcoming and open city, Moscow has established close relations with cities and regions of 97 countries on all continents and attracts more than 5 million tourists annually.
For more information
International Affairs Office (City Relations Promotion Division)
Tel: +66 2 2248175-77