Moskvarium Moscow is a large indoor oceanarium in Pavilion 23 at VDNKh, opened in 2015 and described as one of the biggest in Europe. Moskvarium Moscow tickets cover the aquarium exhibition, while the water shows and swimming with dolphins are sold separately.
The complex has about 80 aquariums, a show hall for around 2,300 spectators and a dolphin swimming center. Many visitors expect one ticket to cover everything, but it does not. This guide explains what each part costs, what to expect inside and how to reach it from VDNKh metro station.
Quick Facts
| Russian name | Москвариум |
|---|---|
| Built / opened | 2015 |
| Address | Prospekt Mira 119, building 23 (VDNKh), Moscow, Russia OpenStreetMap · Google Maps |
| District | Ostankinsky |
| Metro | VDNKh (Line 6 (Kaluzhsko-Rizhskaya, orange), about 10–15 min walk through the VDNKh grounds) |
| Opening hours | Moskvarium is open daily from 10:00 to 22:00, and an aquarium ticket allows you to stay until closing.
A sanitary day is held on the last Monday of each month, and hours can change for holidays and seasons (as of October 2026 – check the official Moskvarium site). |
| Admission | An adult aquarium ticket was reported at the moderate level (₽₽), with the same price online and on site. The water shows cost extra, ranging from upscale to splurge levels (₽₽₽–₽₽₽₽) per person depending on the seat, and swimming with dolphins is a separate paid experience. |
| Best time to visit | Weekday mornings are the calmest, and weekends and school holidays bring queues at the counters and the cloakroom. It is indoors, so it works in every season, which makes it a good choice for cold or wet days.
The oceanarium has a sanitary day on the last Monday of each month, when it is closed. |
| Recommended duration | 3–5 hours |
| Last updated | October 6, 2026 |
What Is (and Isn't) Part of a Visit to Moskvarium Moscow?
| Part | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aquarium exhibition | Included in the standard ticket | Covered by the aquarium ticket, which is single entry. |
| Water show | Separate ticket or institution | A separate ticket, priced by seat, and not included in the aquarium ticket. |
| Swimming with dolphins | Separate ticket or institution | A separate paid experience in the dolphin swimming center. |
| Cafe, restaurant and shop | Included in the standard ticket | Open to anyone without a ticket; food and purchases are paid. |
| VDNKh grounds | Outside / not part of it | The exhibition park is free to enter; see the VDNKh Moscow article. |
| Moscow Sun Ferris Wheel | Outside / not part of it | A separate ride on the same grounds with its own ticket. |
Why Visit Moskvarium Moscow?
Moskvarium is the largest oceanarium in the city and an indoor option in every season, with about 80 aquariums holding sharks, rays, octopuses, jellyfish, turtles and many fish, and about 25 million liters of water.
It also has animals that are rare in a city so far from the sea, including beluga whales, dolphins and Baikal seals, and a hall for water shows that seats about 2,300 people.
It stands inside VDNKh, which is free to enter, so it combines easily with a walk through the pavilions or a ride on the Ferris wheel. Visitors who prefer to avoid marine mammal shows can visit the aquarium alone.
How Moskvarium Moscow Is Laid Out
Moskvarium occupies a single large building, Pavilion 23 at VDNKh, with about 53,000 square meters of floor space.
The aquarium exhibition is on the ground floor, with about 80 aquariums arranged in a long route through different habitats. The main hall has the ticket counters and self-service terminals, and the first floor holds a cafe, a cloakroom and restrooms. The upper floors have a restaurant and the water show hall, which seats about 2,300 people. A dolphin swimming center with several pools is a separate paid experience.
A sensible route is to leave bags in the cloakroom, walk through the aquarium first, then watch a show if you have bought a ticket, and finish with a meal on an upper floor.
Highlights of Moskvarium Moscow
The 80 aquariums
The ground floor holds about 80 aquariums with more than 12,000 square meters of exhibition area, arranged as a long route through different habitats. Sharks, rays, octopuses, jellyfish, seahorses, turtles and many fish are on display.
The water volume is about 25 million liters, and sea salt was brought from the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk to fill the tanks.
Tip: Allow at least two hours for the route; the aquarium ticket is single-entry, so you cannot return later.
Large marine mammals
The oceanarium keeps beluga whales, dolphins, Baikal seals and killer whales, as reported by several guides, which are the main draw for many visitors.
Some visitors prefer to avoid shows with marine mammals; the aquarium exhibition can be visited without a show ticket.
Tip: Check which animals are currently on display before planning around a specific species.
The water show
A water show with marine mammals takes place in a hall for about 2,300 spectators on the upper floors. It is not included in the aquarium ticket, and prices reported run from upscale to splurge levels (₽₽₽–₽₽₽₽) depending on the seat.
The most expensive seats are in a splash zone, which comes with a raincoat.
Tip: Book the show in advance, since tickets for popular sessions can sell out.
The dolphin swimming center
A separate area with several pools offers the chance to swim with dolphins for an extra fee.
It is a separate experience from the aquarium and the show, with its own booking, and conditions depend on the session.
Tip: Ask the operator about age and health rules before booking.
Cafe, restaurant and shop
The first floor has a cafe, a cloakroom and restrooms, and the upper floors have a restaurant. There are snack bars inside the aquarium, and anyone can eat and shop at Moskvarium without a ticket.
The food is more expensive than at VDNKh's food halls, but it is convenient.
Tip: Use the cloakroom on the first floor; the exhibition area is large and long.
VDNKh around the building
Moskvarium stands on VDNKh's grounds, close to the Moscow Sun Ferris wheel. VDNKh is free to enter and holds pavilions, fountains and many cafes.
The oceanarium is one stop in a larger day at the exhibition park.
Tip: Plan Moskvarium for the afternoon and the Ferris wheel for sunset.
Atmosphere
Inside, the lights are low and the aquarium route is blue and quiet, with the sound of water, the hum of pumps and the low voices of visitors in front of the glass. Children press against the tanks, and groups move slowly from one habitat to the next.
In the show hall the mood changes: music, announcers and large crowds fill the upper floors, and the splash zone is wet and loud.
Weekends and school holidays are crowded, with queues at the ticket counters and the cloakroom, while weekday mornings are calmer. Outside, VDNKh’s wide avenue and fountains give a contrast to the dim interior.
History of Moskvarium Moscow
The idea of building an oceanarium at VDNKh began in 2012, as part of the restoration and development program for the exhibition park, which had been a Soviet-era showcase and had fallen into disrepair.
The complex was built in Pavilion 23, with a total area of about 53,000 square meters. Construction moved quickly, and the permits were obtained on 9 July 2015.
Moskvarium officially opened on 5 August 2015, less than a month later. It was described as one of the largest oceanariums in Europe and one of the most expensive attractions in Moscow.
Its design includes three zones: the aquarium exhibition with about 80 aquariums, a hall for water shows and a swimming center with dolphins. The water volume is about 25,000 cubic meters, and more than 700 tons of sea salt from the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk were used to fill it.
Water and air are purified by dozens of engineering systems, and a full cycle of water purification takes about four hours.
Today Moskvarium operates year-round, with a sanitary day on the last Monday of each month. It sits near the Moscow Sun Ferris wheel and is one of the main attractions at VDNKh.
Tickets and Booking for Moskvarium Moscow
| Ticket | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Aquarium, adult | About ₽₽ | Single entry to the aquarium exhibition; a recent guide gives this range, so check the current price. |
| Water show | About ₽₽₽–₽₽₽₽ | A seat at the water show, priced by zone; the most expensive seats are in the splash zone. |
| Children's tickets | See the official page | Reduced prices for children; the current ages and prices were not confirmed. |
Buy tickets on the official Moskvarium site, at the ticket counters or at the self-service terminals in the main hall. The price online is the same as on site, according to one guide. The booking window was not confirmed, so check the ticket page for your date; if a date does not show, sales for it may not have opened yet.
- Aquarium ticket: single entry, and it allows you to stay until closing.
- Shows: sold separately and can sell out, especially at weekends and during school holidays.
- Cloakroom: on the first floor, and recommended for bags and coats.
Payment options for foreign cards were not verified, so carry some cash. A recent guide notes that there are no separate rates for foreigners, but rates for Russian citizens and concessions can differ. Check the official Moskvarium site for all categories.
Plan and Book
Suggested Itineraries for Moskvarium Moscow
3 hours
Leave bags in the cloakroom and walk through the aquarium route. Have a drink in the cafe and leave through VDNKh.
4–5 hours
Take the aquarium route, then watch a water show if you have a ticket. Eat on an upper floor and walk through VDNKh afterwards.
Full day
Spend the late morning and early afternoon in Moskvarium, then ride the Moscow Sun Ferris Wheel at sunset. Finish with a walk along VDNKh's main avenue as the lights come on.
How to Get to Moskvarium Moscow
Moskvarium is in Pavilion 23 at VDNKh, in the north of the city.
- VDNKh (Line 6, Kaluzhsko-Rizhskaya, orange): about 10 to 15 minutes on foot through the VDNKh grounds, along the main avenue.
- Telecentre monorail station: reported as a second access point; check the current monorail route and fares.
A taxi can drop you near the pavilion. The Moscow Sun Ferris Wheel is a short walk away.
Accessibility
Accessibility details were not confirmed. The building is a large modern pavilion with several floors, which suggests elevators, but this was not verified. Contact the oceanarium on +7 499 677 77 77 before visiting if you need step-free access or assistance.
Food Nearby
Moskvarium has a cafe on the first floor, a restaurant on the upper floors and snack bars inside the aquarium, and anyone can eat there without a ticket. VDNKh has many more cafes and food halls along the main avenue, usually cheaper than inside the oceanarium. Check opening hours before you go.
What to Bring
Bring a light layer, since the halls can be cool, and spare clothes if you plan to sit in the splash zone at the show. Large bags are best left in the cloakroom.
Best Views and Photo Spots of Moskvarium Moscow
Large aquarium tanks
Sharks and rays gliding past the glass in blue light, with visitors in silhouette.
Best time: Weekday mornings, when the tanks are less crowded
Exterior of Pavilion 23
The large pavilion at VDNKh, with the avenue and trees in front of it.
Best time: Late afternoon light
VDNKh with the Ferris wheel
The wheel rising behind the pavilions and fountains of the park.
Best time: Dusk, when the lights come on
Photography Rules
Photography rules were not confirmed. Flash can disturb animals, and phone cameras struggle in the dim light of the aquarium, so follow signs and staff instructions. Photography in the show hall may be restricted, so check at the entrance.
Family Suitability
Moskvarium is popular with families, since children can see sharks, rays and large marine animals up close. The route is long, and weekends are crowded, so plan breaks. The water show and the splash zone suit older children, though noise and spray can bother very small children. Stroller access was not confirmed, and a cloakroom is available.
Moscow Vibes Tips
- Decide in advance whether you want the water show; it is a separate ticket and is the biggest extra cost.
- Visit on a weekday morning, when the queues at the counters and the cloakroom are shortest.
- Remember that the aquarium ticket is single entry, so finish your route before you leave the exhibition.
- Eat at VDNKh's food halls rather than inside if you want to save money.
- Check the sanitary day, the last Monday of each month, before planning a visit on a Monday.
- Combine it with the Moscow Sun Ferris Wheel, which is a short walk away on the same grounds.
Explore Nearby Moskvarium Moscow
Sights near Moskvarium Moscow
Moscow Sun Ferris Wheelabout 100 m away (~2 min walk) · typical visit: 1–1.5 hoursMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
VDNKh Moscowabout 600 m away (~9 min walk) · typical visit: 3–6 hoursMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Ostankino Tower Moscowabout 1.3 km away (~22 min walk) · typical visit: 1.5–3 hoursMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Moscow Metro · typical visit: 1.5–3 hours for a tour of showcase stationsMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Friendship of Nations Fountain Moscowabout 200 m away (~4 min walk) · typical visit: 30–45 minutesMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Sergey Korolev Memorial House Museum Moscowabout 450 m away (~8 min walk) · typical visit: About 1 hourMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Metro stations near Moskvarium Moscow
VDNKh Metro Stationabout 950 m away (~15 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Restaurants and cafes near Moskvarium Moscow
Kroshka Kartoshkaabout 100 m away (~2 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Hotels near Moskvarium Moscow
City Hotel Baykalabout 1.3 km away (~20 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Cosmos Hotel Moscowabout 1.3 km away (~21 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Events and traditions near Moskvarium Moscow
Moscow Book Fairabout 550 m away (~9 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Cosmonautics Day in Moscowabout 800 m away (~13 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Related guides
How to visit VDNKh: Free Entry, Pavilions and Metro AccessMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Ostankino Estate Moscow: Serf Theatre Palace, Church and ParkMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Stone Flower Fountain Moscow: Smalt, Gold and a Fairy-Tale StoryMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
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FAQ: Moskvarium Moscow
Is the water show included in the ticket?
No. The show has its own ticket, priced by seat, and the aquarium ticket covers only the exhibition. See the tickets section.
Can I visit without the shows?
Yes. The aquarium exhibition can be visited on its own, which suits visitors who prefer to avoid shows with marine mammals.
Is it the biggest oceanarium in Europe?
It is described as one of the biggest, with about 80 aquariums, more than 12,000 square meters of exhibition area and about 25 million liters of water.
How long do I need?
About three hours for the aquarium route, and four to five hours with a show and a meal.
Is it open on Mondays?
Yes, except for the sanitary day on the last Monday of each month, when it is closed.
Can I swim with dolphins?
A separate swimming center with dolphins offers paid sessions. Ask the operator about age and health rules.
Is Moskvarium at VDNKh?
Yes, in Pavilion 23 on the VDNKh grounds, about 10 to 15 minutes on foot from VDNKh metro station.
Is food available inside?
Yes, a cafe, a restaurant and snack bars. Anyone can eat there without a ticket.
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Last updated: October 6, 2026. Found an error or something out of date? Report it and we will check and fix it.
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