About Moscow City Model – Mosgradexpo

The idea of construction of a new scale model of the city occured in 2011.

The work on the model commenced in autumn 2012 upon the decision of the Mayor of Moscow, Sergei Sobyanin.

When completed in 2020, the model may become the largest one in the world. The overall size will go beyond 945 square metres and cover the area within the Third Transportation Ring; it will include all railway terminals, Vorobyovy Gory (Sparrow Hills), the highest Stalinist skyscraper – Moscow State University, and actively developed ZIL industrial zone.

Construction of the scale model was included in the state urban development programme of Moscow.

A team of 60 artists, architects and drafters complete the whole process: starting with preparation of drawings, formation of relief and finishing with connection of every structure to the lighting system and adding them into the database.

The scale model was demonstrated for the first time at the International investment forum in the sphere of real estate MIPIM 2014 in Cannes.

The new pavilion of Moscow City scale model was opened on Sirenevaya Alley in VDNKh park in September 2017.

The size of the pavilion is 1370 sq.m., the floor space of the exhibition hall is 860 sq.m., the exhibition gallery is 240 sq.m.
The overall size of the model has been tripled since the first exposition and today it is 368 sq.m.

Accuracy in details

One can distinguish wall decorations, window sashes, architraves, cornices. Model makers have restored mosaics and bas-reliefs on facades of historical buildings.

For example, the tiny model of the Bolshoy Theatre has an exact replica of the original quadriga.

Amazing results have been achieved in replication of the Moskva River due to special technique – application of mixed glue on plexiglas – in order to get the effect of choppy water.

Interactivity

The model is completed with interactive system which lightens buildings from inside. One can operate it choosing objects according to directory, which includes such modules as administrative premises, dwelling blocks, cultural sites, road network. It is possible to lighten a certain structure, tunnels and streets separately.

New pavilion

The control system has new modules now: railway terminals, boulevards and parks, high-rise buildings, the renovation programme. More than 400 significant objects are included in the system.

Now visitors can observe the Garden and Boulevard Ring, five Stalinist skyscrapers, several railway terminals, unique buildings, churches, temples and cathedrals.

A full-colour lighting system has been set up in the exhibition hall. It allows to get the effect of natural lighting and nighttime illumination, to imitate movement of the sun and clouds. It can create other light effects for a more advantageous presentation of the model.

The new pavilion is equipped with:

full-colour lighting system. It allows to get the effect of natural lighting and nighttime illumination, to imitate movement of the sun and clouds. It can create other light effects for a more advantageous presentation of the model;

observation system comprised of four independent stations: a high resolution camera and a directing touch screen in each.
It provides an opportunity for detailed exploration of all objects on the model in real time. One can examine all tiny details of a certain object due to 30-fold increase cameras.