VDNKh Metro Station is the stop for the VDNKh exhibition grounds in north Moscow, opened in 1958 on the Kaluzhsko-Rizhskaya Line. VDNKh Metro Station is about 53.5 meters deep, and its round vestibule stands on Prospekt Mira in front of the Space Obelisk.
It was the terminus of the line until 1978 and was the deepest station in the Metro until 1979. The grounds, with their fountains, pavilions and the Worker and Kolkhoz Woman statue, lie across the avenue. This guide explains what to look for, where the exits lead and how the fares work.
Quick Facts
| Russian name | ВДНХ |
|---|---|
| Built / opened | 1958 |
| Architect(s) | Nadezhda Bykova, I. Gokhar-Kharmandaryan, Ivan Taranov and Yu. Cherepanov |
| Address | Prospekt Mira, in front of the Monument to the Conquerors of Space, Moscow, Russia OpenStreetMap · Google Maps |
| District | Ostankinsky |
| Interchanges | VDNKh (Line 6 (Kaluzhsko-Rizhskaya, orange), the station itself, between Alekseyevskaya and Botanichesky Sad, with a round vestibule on Prospekt Mira) |
| Opening hours | The Moscow Metro normally runs from early morning until around 1:00 at night, and the station is open to passengers during those hours.
Exact first and last train times were not confirmed, so check the Metro's official information (as of October 2026 – check the official site, mosmetro.ru). |
| Best time to visit | Mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays are calmer, and late evening is quiet. The morning and evening rush hours and weekend afternoons are the busiest, when the platform and the escalators fill with visitors to the exhibition grounds.
The station works in every season, so it is a good stop on a cold or wet day. |
| Last updated | October 6, 2026 |
Why Visit VDNKh Metro Station?
VDNKh is the entrance to one of the largest exhibition parks in Moscow, and the station has a story of its own. It opened on 1 May 1958 as the end of the line, with the name VSKhV, and was the deepest station in the Metro until 1979, about 53.5 meters underground.
The original round vestibule stands in front of the Space Obelisk, the titanium monument to the conquerors of space, so you meet a landmark as soon as you come up.
The decoration was simplified from an opulent first plan, so the station shows the change from the Stalinist style of the early 1950s to a plainer design. It is the stop for the Ostankino Tower and the Moskvarium too.
Highlights of VDNKh Metro Station
One of the deepest stations
The station is about 53.5 meters underground, and was the deepest in the Moscow Metro from 1958 until 1979. It is also the deepest on the Kaluzhsko-Rizhskaya Line.
The ride up the escalators gives a sense of the depth.
Tip: Allow a few minutes for the escalators when you plan your day.
The round vestibule by the Space Obelisk
The original circular vestibule is on the west side of Prospekt Mira, in front of the Space Obelisk, the Monument to the Conquerors of Space.
In 1996 an additional pavilion was added on the southern side for entrance and exit.
Tip: Use the vestibule you find closer to your direction of travel to save a street crossing.
From opulent plan to simpler design
The station was first planned to be richly decorated, with mosaics by Vladimir Favorsky along the arches between the pylons. The plan was simplified, in line with the move away from Stalinist architecture on the Rizhsky radius.
The station became a standardized design that differed from its neighbors mostly in color.
Tip: Compare the hall with Prospekt Mira on the Circle Line to see the change in style.
The name VDNKh
VDNKh stands for the Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy. The station was first called VSKhV, and took the name VDNKh in 1959.
The name refers to the exhibition grounds across the avenue.
Tip: Look for both the Latin and Cyrillic names on the signs and maps.
Terminus of the Rizhsky radius
The station opened on 1 May 1958 as the end of the Rizhsky radius, which ran north along Prospekt Mira. The line was extended north to Medvedkovo on 29 September 1978.
It is one of the busier stations, since it serves a large exhibition park.
Tip: Avoid the weekend afternoons if you want a quiet platform.
The gateway to the VDNKh grounds
From the vestibule, the main entrance to the VDNKh grounds, with its fountains and pavilions, is across Prospekt Mira.
The Worker and Kolkhoz Woman statue, the Friendship of Nations Fountain and the Moskvarium are all part of the area.
Tip: See the VDNKh article for the park's hours and rules before you go.
Atmosphere
The hall is deep and calm, with the long escalators bringing passengers up and down in a steady stream. The decoration is plainer than that of the Circle Line, with the light even and clean.
Families, tourists and workers use the station, and on weekends the platform fills with visitors on their way to the exhibition grounds. The sound is trains, announcements and the hum of the escalators.
It is busiest at rush hours and on weekend afternoons, and calmer in the middle of the day on weekdays and late in the evening.
History of VDNKh Metro Station
After the Circle Line was completed, Metro planners drew new radial lines out from the ring. The first was the Rizhsky radius, which ran north from the station then called Botanichesky Sad, along Prospekt Mira, past the Rizhsky railway terminal, to end at the newly built All-Russia Exhibition Center.
Construction began in the mid-1950s, and the first four stations of the radius opened on 1 May 1958. VDNKh, first called VSKhV, was the terminus, between Alekseyevskaya and what is today Botanichesky Sad. The name stands for the Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy.
The station was designed by Nadezhda Bykova, I. Gokhar-Kharmandaryan, Ivan Taranov and Yu. Cherepanov. It was first planned to be opulently decorated in the manner of the 1950s, with mosaics by Vladimir Favorsky along the arches, but the project was simplified as architecture moved away from Stalinist elements.
The station is about 53.5 meters deep and was the deepest in the Moscow Metro from 1958 until 1979. Its original circular vestibule stands on the west side of Prospekt Mira in front of the Space Obelisk.
In 1978 the line was extended north to Medvedkovo, and VDNKh ceased to be the terminus. In 1996 an additional pavilion was added on the southern side for entrances and exits.
Today the station serves the VDNKh grounds, the Ostankino Tower and the districts of north Moscow.
Tickets and Booking for VDNKh Metro Station
There is no ticket for the station itself; entering needs a Metro fare. Reports on 2026 fares differ: a budget-level fare (₽) for a single ride with a Troika card, a slightly higher budget-level fare (₽) by contactless bank card and a higher budget-level fare (₽) for a 90-minute ticket, while some sources still give lower prices. Check the current fare on the official Moscow Metro site, mosmetro.ru.
- Troika card: a reusable card sold at ticket windows and top-up machines in station halls and through the official Metro app; the deposit is reported as a small amount (₽), so check the price.
- Foreign cards: reports conflict on whether foreign Visa or Mastercard cards and phone payments work at the turnstiles, so carry rubles in cash and buy a ticket or card at a ticket window.
- Rush hours: the station is busiest in the morning and evening on weekdays, and on weekend afternoons when visitors head for the exhibition grounds.
Rates for Russian citizens and concessions differ. All fares and payment methods are listed on the official site, mosmetro.ru.
Plan and Book
How to Get to VDNKh Metro Station
VDNKh is in the Ostankinsky District, in the north of Moscow, on Prospekt Mira.
- Metro: VDNKh (Line 6, Kaluzhsko-Rizhskaya, orange), between Alekseyevskaya and Botanichesky Sad.
- Exits: the round vestibule is on the west side of Prospekt Mira in front of the Space Obelisk, and a pavilion on the southern side serves as another entrance.
The main entrance to the VDNKh grounds is across the avenue from the vestibule, a short walk; the walking time was not verified. A taxi can drop you near the Space Obelisk.
Accessibility
Accessibility details were not confirmed. The station is about 53.5 meters deep and is reached by long escalators, and lift availability and step-free access were not verified. Contact the Metro or check mosmetro.ru before traveling if you need step-free access or assistance.
Food Nearby
The VDNKh grounds and the streets around Prospekt Mira have many cafes and food stalls, though specific venues were not verified. Check opening hours before you go.
What to Bring
Bring a camera and some rubles in cash for a ticket or a Troika card, and comfortable shoes for the long walks in the grounds.
Best Views and Photo Spots of VDNKh Metro Station
Round vestibule with the Space Obelisk
The circular vestibule at street level with the titanium Space Obelisk rising behind it.
Best time: Morning light or early evening
Platform hall
The deep platform hall with its pylons and arches, subject to the Metro's photography rules.
Best time: Late evening or mid-morning, when the platform is quieter
Escalators
The long escalators that bring passengers up from the platform, a view of the depth.
Best time: Between waves of passengers
Photography Rules
Photography rules in the station were not confirmed. Taking photographs on the platform is common, but tripods and flash can be restricted, and the station is busy, so stand clear of the platform edge. Drone rules in Moscow are strict and change.
Family Suitability
The station is a good starting point for families heading to the VDNKh grounds, with many things for children nearby. It is deep and busy at rush hours and weekends, so keep children close, hold small hands on the escalators and stay away from the platform edge. Strollers need a lift, and lift access was not confirmed.
Moscow Vibes Tips
- Allow a few minutes for the long escalators on the way up and down.
- Look at the Space Obelisk as you come out of the vestibule; it frames the way to the park.
- Do not confuse Botanichesky Sad with VDNKh; the next station north has that name today.
- Use the southern pavilion if the main vestibule is crowded.
- Avoid weekend afternoons for a quiet platform; midday on weekdays is much calmer.
- Plan the day in the grounds with the VDNKh article before you arrive.
Explore Nearby VDNKh Metro Station
Sights near VDNKh Metro Station
VDNKh Moscowabout 550 m away (~9 min walk) · typical visit: 3–6 hoursMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Monument to the Conquerors of Space Moscowabout 100 m away (~2 min walk) · typical visit: 1–2 hoursMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Worker and Kolkhoz Woman Moscowabout 500 m away (~8 min walk) · typical visit: 30–60 minutesMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Friendship of Nations Fountain Moscowabout 1.2 km away (~19 min walk) · typical visit: 30–45 minutesMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Moskvarium Moscowabout 950 m away (~15 min walk) · typical visit: 3–5 hoursMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Ostankino Tower Moscowabout 1.8 km away (~30 min walk) · typical visit: 1.5–3 hoursMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Restaurants and cafes near VDNKh Metro Station
Kroshka Kartoshkaabout 900 m away (~15 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Hotels near VDNKh Metro Station
Cosmos Hotel Moscowabout 400 m away (~7 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Events and traditions near VDNKh Metro Station
Cosmonautics Day in Moscowabout 150 m away (~2 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Moscow Book Fairabout 500 m away (~8 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Related guides
VDNH and Ostankino: Pavilions, Space Museum, TV Tower and ParkMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
City Hotel Baykal: Budget Hotel Near VDNKh and Botanichesky SadMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
How to go ice skating in Moscow in winter: Rinks, Prices and SeasonMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
How to visit VDNKh: Free Entry, Pavilions and Metro AccessMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
How to get from Moscow to Sergiev Posad: Express Train, Bus and TaxiMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Browse more: More in Ostankinsky · All Metro Stations
FAQ: VDNKh Metro Station
When did VDNKh open?
On 1 May 1958, as the terminus of the Rizhsky radius, under the name VSKhV.
How deep is it?
About 53.5 meters. It was the deepest station in the Moscow Metro until 1979.
Who designed the station?
Nadezhda Bykova, I. Gokhar-Kharmandaryan, Ivan Taranov and Yu. Cherepanov.
What does VDNKh stand for?
The Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy.
Is the station inside the park?
No, the main entrance to the grounds is across Prospekt Mira from the vestibule.
Do I need a ticket to see it?
Yes, a Metro fare is needed to enter. See the fares and payment section.
What is in front of the vestibule?
The Space Obelisk, the Monument to the Conquerors of Space.
How long do I need?
About 10 minutes to see the hall and the vestibule.
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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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