State Kremlin Palace

The State Kremlin Palace is a unique cultural venue located in the very heart of the capital, within the Moscow Kremlin. For the older generation, this building is known as the Palace of Congresses, while for modern Russians it stands as a symbol of national cultural grandeur and a venue for major nationwide events.

History of the Architectural Masterpiece

Construction of the palace began in 1961 at the initiative of N.S. Khrushchev under the supervision of chief architect M.V. Posokhin. Soviet specialists faced a serious challenge — to create a grand structure without sufficient experience in designing similar complexes.

Studying Global Experience

To tackle technical challenges, special groups of architects and builders were sent on study trips:

• FRG — to study modern construction technologies
• USA — to analyze the architectural solutions of major cultural centers
• China — to learn from experience in large-scale construction projects

The influence of foreign architecture is especially noticeable in the interior design of the main hall. Designers were inspired by the United Nations Assembly Hall in New York, adopting the trend of wooden slat wall finishing.

Project Authors and Architectural Solutions

The team of architects, including A.A. Mndoyants, E.N. Stamo, P.P. Shteller, and N.M. Shchepetilnikov, debated extensively over the building’s appearance. The final solution turned out to be ingenious — simple geometric forms without excessive decoration allowed the palace to blend harmoniously into the centuries-old architectural ensemble of the Moscow Kremlin.

Scale and Functionality of the Building

Upon completion, Russia gained a world-class cultural center comparable to legendary venues such as:

• Carnegie Hall and Irving Plaza in New York
• Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles
• Olympia in Paris
• Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford
• Stravinsky Hall in Montreux

Structure of the Kremlin Palace

Initially, the plan envisioned a hall for 4,000 seats, but the project expanded in scale. Functionally, the building is divided into several sections: Concert Hall — seats 6,000 spectators and is equipped with state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems of world-class quality.
Banquet Hall — located above the concert hall, it can accommodate up to 6,000 guests during ceremonial events.
Government Area — a restricted section designed by KGB architect G.V. Makarevich.
Winter Garden — the creation of architect K. Zakaryan, adding a unique atmosphere to the interior.

First Performances and Historical Significance

The first concert took place on October 17, 1961. The grand opening began with a festive program featuring the Bolshoi Theatre troupe performing an excerpt from Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake.” After this milestone, and up until the early 1990s, the concert hall served as a second stage for the Bolshoi Theatre.

Stars on the GKD Stage

During the 1960s–1980s, the palace hosted outstanding Soviet ensembles and performers:

• State Academic Folk Dance Ensemble led by I. Moiseyev
• “Beryozka” Dance Ensemble
• Pyatnitsky Choir
• Maya Plisetskaya and Olga Lepeshinskaya
• Tamara Sinyavskaya and Zurab Sotkilava
• Alexander Vedernikov and Natalia Bessmertnova

The State Kremlin Palace Today

Today, the GKD remains the country’s leading concert venue, hosting only the most significant events. Being under the administration of the Presidential Office ensures strict program oversight and the highest level of security.

Kremlin Ballet

The palace serves as the home stage for the “Kremlin Ballet” theatre, which regularly presents classical performances:

1. “The Nutcracker” — a New Year’s fairy tale for the whole family
2. “Swan Lake” — the immortal classic by Pyotr Tchaikovsky
3. “La Bayadère” — an Eastern legend in ballet form
4. “Ruslan and Lyudmila” — a Russian epic opera

Cultural and Educational Events

The palace hosts a wide range of events combining culture, education, and public life:

• New Year performances and graduation balls
• Concerts commemorating Victory Day in the Great Patriotic War
• Festive programs for Knowledge Day and Teacher’s Day
• Celebrations for Mother’s Day and Children’s Day
• Legal forums for practicing professionals
• International forums and intergovernmental meetings

World-Class Technical Equipment

After a large-scale technical renovation, the GKD became an attractive venue for international stars who demand the highest sound and lighting quality. The hall is equipped with the latest systems that meet the most advanced global standards.

Legends of World Music on the Kremlin Stage

Thanks to its exceptional acoustics and technical excellence, the GKD stage has hosted legendary performers:

• Joe Cocker — British rock legend
• Chris Rea — master of blues and soft rock
• Mireille Mathieu — French singer with a unique voice
• Mark Knopfler — virtuoso guitarist and leader of Dire Straits
• Gary Moore — king of blues-rock
• George Benson — jazz guitarist and vocalist
• Toni Braxton — seven-time Grammy Award winner
• Lara Fabian — Belgian-Canadian singer
• Cesária Évora — queen of African music
• Paul Mauriat Orchestra — symbol of French light music

Recognition of Professional Mastery

For Russian and international artists alike, performing on the stage of the State Kremlin Palace is a mark of the highest professional recognition and a testament to popularity among audiences. Over five decades, the GKD’s artistic programs have written many vivid pages in the cultural chronicle of Russian art.

Accessibility for Visitors

The State Kremlin Palace is open to everyone. The building is fully equipped to accommodate people with disabilities, making cultural events accessible to all. Anyone can attend concerts, ballet performances, and ceremonies by purchasing tickets on the official website or at the palace box office. Address: Moscow, Vozdvizhenka Street, 1
Phone: +7 (495) 620-78-46
Email: [email protected] The State Kremlin Palace continues to stand as a symbol of Russia’s cultural grandeur — a meeting place of tradition and modernity, where every performance becomes an event of national significance.