Gorky Park

Gorky Park Review

Muscovites usually refer to this park made famous by Martin Cruz Smith's Cold War novel Gorky Park as Park Kultury (Park of Culture); its official title is actually the Central Park of Culture and Leisure. The park was laid out in 1928 and covers an area of 275 acres. It's an all-around recreation center, and in summer, especially on weekends, it's crowded with children and adults partaking of its many attractions. The grounds have seen better days, though; the rides are rather rundown and the landscaping unkempt. At night, the lighting is dim and festivities are dominated by a row of lowbrow outdoor bars and dancehalls, so go during the day if you're with kids. A giant Ferris wheel dominates the park's green; if you're brave enough to ride it, you'll be rewarded with great views of the city. Note that the park's admission price does not include individual rides. The park also has a boating pond, a fairground, sports grounds, and numerous cafés. In summer, boats leave from the pier for excursions along the Moskva River, and in winter the ponds are transformed into skating rinks.