Fountain “Friendship of Peoples”

Fountain “Friendship of Peoples” — one of the most recognizable symbols of VDNKh and the whole of Moscow. Its golden figures, arranged around a gigantic sheaf, have become the embodiment of the unity of the republics of the former USSR. Why there are exactly 16 statues, what inspired the architects, and how the fountain survived a large-scale restoration — all this is revealed in the detailed review below.

History of construction

First concepts and transformation of the territory

The Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy began operating in 1939, but at the site of the future fountain there was only a small children’s café and a recreation area at that time. After the Great Patriotic War, the VDNKh territory underwent a large-scale reconstruction: the café was demolished, the square was expanded, preparing it for mass events. But already during construction the concept was revised — it was decided to erect a new main fountain here.

Where the idea for the composition came from

There are two versions of what inspired the architects. Some researchers believe that the prototype was the project of the simultaneously created fountain “Stone Flower”. Others are sure that the basis was the famous “Guryev Service” from the early 19th century. Its porcelain figures resembled ancient goddesses but at the same time had pronounced Russian features — this idea echoed the future statues at VDNKh.

How the name appeared

Initially the project was designated as “Main Fountain”. Later they wanted to call it “Golden Sheaf”, which reflected the central element of the composition. However, before the opening a new name was proposed — “Friendship of Peoples”. The person who first uttered it is unknown, but the name took root instantly.

The fountain today

The modern “Friendship of Peoples” impresses with its scale and technical execution. The pool with an area of 3,800 m² is made in the shape of an octagon, and 784 water jets rise from the central bowl to a height of up to 20 metres. The huge copper sheaf — a composition of wheat, sunflowers and hemp — symbolizes the country’s agricultural wealth. Hemp is featured for a reason: in the USSR it was actively grown for the production of ropes, fabrics and technical materials.

The figures

Why exactly 16 sculptures

The main decoration of the fountain is 16 gilded female figures about 4 metres tall and weighing about 2.5 tons each. They symbolize the union republics of the USSR, but their number exceeds the official count: in 1954 there existed the Karelo-Finnish SSR. After its transformation into an autonomous republic two years later, the figure was not removed so as not to disturb the composition.

Gilding instead of smalt

Initially the sculptures were planned to be covered with smalt, but Joseph Stalin insisted on using real gold — about 4 kg was used for the cladding. The gilding became the fountain’s “calling card”, although in bright sunlight the figures glare so much that it can be difficult to look at them.

Arrangement order and symbolism

The statues are arranged in the order corresponding to the placement of the republics on the USSR coat of arms. However, two figures — of the Moldavian SSR and the Kirghiz SSR — were swapped during installation. Each girl holds objects reflecting the culture and economic characteristics of her republic:

• RSFSR — sheaf of wheat
• Ukrainian SSR — sunflowers and grapes
• Uzbek SSR — cotton
• Georgian SSR — bunches of grapes
• and other symbols

In addition, there is a version that the famous beauty Princess Rodam Amiredzhibi posed for the Georgian sculpture.

Restoration

Why renewal was needed

Over decades of operation the statues lost their gilding, the structure wore out, and the hydraulic system was on the verge of failure. For a long time the fountain worked intermittently, and periodically it was completely turned off.

Restoration of 2018–2019

The restoration work was the most large-scale in the fountain’s history:

• All 16 figures were dismantled and sent to workshops
• The old gilding was removed and the surface prepared
• A new composition of red lead and varnish was applied
• The statues were covered with sheets of gold leaf
• Lost elements were restored

The restoration used about 6 kg of gold leaf. One of the lost fragments — a sunflower in the hands of the girl symbolizing the Ukrainian SSR — was restored from archival photographs.

Where the “Friendship of Peoples” fountain is located

The fountain is located at VDNKh, next to the Central Pavilion — it can be seen already from the Main Entrance. It is easy to get to: from the “VDNKh” or “Vystavochny Tsentr” metro stations the walk takes only a few minutes. On the territory of the VDNKh Museum you can see an interactive mini-copy of the fountain. The exhibit allows you to match each sculpture with the coat of arms of the corresponding republic — when chosen correctly, a light indicator lights up.

Conclusion

“Friendship of Peoples” is not just a fountain, but a vivid artistic symbol of an era. It combines the monumentality of Stalinist Empire style, a complex engineering design and a rich ideological programme. In summer it is especially beautiful to visit in the evening, when 250 spotlights illuminate the figures and water jets, creating an impressive light show. The fountain remains one of the main attractions of VDNKh and a must-see point for everyone who wants to see the living history of Moscow.