Stone Flower Fountain

The Stone Flower Fountain is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful and recognizable symbols of VDNH. This majestic water complex, created in 1954, attracts thousands of Moscow residents and visitors to the capital every year with its fairytale beauty and unique architecture.

History of the Creation of the Legendary Fountain

The author of the architectural project was Konstantin Topuridze, while the sculptural design was developed by Prokopiy Dobrynin. The idea for the fountain was inspired by the Ural tales of Pavel Bazhov, especially works from the collection “The Malachite Casket.” Notably, the “Ural” pavilion had previously been located nearby, which made the choice of theme particularly fitting. An amazing fact: such a large-scale structure on the territory of the Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy is based exclusively on folklore motifs, without the traditional connection to agricultural themes.

Where the Stone Flower Fountain Is Located

The fountain complex is located on the Central Alley of VDNH, on the Kolkhoz Square, opposite the “Ukraine” pavilion. Getting here is incredibly easy: take the metro to the “VDNH” station and walk along the Main Alley for about 10–15 minutes. Nearby are the “Belarus” and “Azerbaijan” pavilions, as well as the Museum of Slavic Writing.

Architectural Features of the Water Masterpiece

Central Composition

The heart of the fountain is a giant flower set on a two-tier granite pedestal. The structure imitates the texture of natural stone and is adorned with gilded petals and a scattering of artificial gemstones in various shades: green, blue, red, and gold. The entire composition is made of concrete and faced with smalt—opaque decorative glass that creates the effect of sparkling precious stones. The second tier of the pedestal is decorated with 16 cast-iron shells. From each tier, rows of water jets rise in a circle, creating a complex play of cascades reaching heights of up to 15–20 meters.

Water Basin and Decorative Elements

The fountain complex is a one-hundred-meter quadrangular reservoir with polished granite sides. On all four sides of the central flower and in the elongated part of the basin, additional groups of fountains are placed in the form of cast-iron sturgeons and bronze geese, from whose beaks small jets of water flow. These sculptures were created by artists Zoya Ryleeva and Valentina Aleksandrova-Roslavleva. Bronze compositions depicting still lifes with fruits, ears of grain, cornucopias, national jugs, and vases are installed on the granite walls of the basin. In total, four types of still lifes are presented, symbolizing the gifts of nature from various geographical regions of the Soviet Union.

Technical Specifications

The Stone Flower Fountain is the largest fountain at VDNH. The modern system includes 11 pumps capable of releasing up to 1,000 water jets simultaneously. The power of the pumping equipment is 780 kW, allowing up to 2,000 liters of water per second to be circulated.

Lighting Design and Musical Accompaniment

The fountain is equally beautiful during the day and in the evening. After sunset, the decorative lighting is switched on, thanks to which the smalt gemstones begin to sparkle especially brightly. According to one version, the Stone Flower became the first light-and-music fountain in the USSR—recorded music of Dmitri Shostakovich’s “Festive Overture” was added to the multicolored lights.

Restoration and Current Condition

Over decades of use, the fountain fell into disrepair: the pumping system failed, the bronze figures of the geese were vandalized, and the sturgeons disappeared. In the early 2010s, the complex was not operational. Large-scale restoration began after 2014, when the reinforced concrete structures were strengthened. The main works were completed in April 2019. On April 30, 2019, the renovated Stone Flower Fountain was ceremoniously reopened and has since delighted VDNH visitors with its renewed beauty.

Operating Hours and Admission

The fountain operates during the warm season, from May to September. Opening hours: daily from 07:00 to 00:00. Admission is completely free.

Interesting Facts About the Stone Flower

The fountain is part of the triad of the main fountains of VDNH, along with “Friendship of Peoples” and “Golden Ear of Grain”; all three were built in 1954 based on designs by Konstantin Topuridze. Originally, it was planned to create 16 unique still-life compositions representing the gifts of each union republic, but only three variants were realized, which were then replicated on the remaining pedestals. The technology of producing smalt was revived in the USSR in the mid-20th century specifically for large-scale decorative works, and this inexpensive, water-resistant material began to be widely used in finishing projects.

Tips for Visitors

Plan your visit at different times of day—the fountain is beautiful both in daylight and in evening illumination. It is convenient to include the Stone Flower in a walking route around VDNH: nearby are historic pavilions, the Central Alley, numerous cafés, park areas, and the lower station of the cable car. Many guided tours of the exhibition complex include an introduction to this legendary fountain. In the company of a professional guide, you will learn unusual facts about the history of the ensemble’s creation and important milestones of its existence. The Stone Flower Fountain is a true pearl of VDNH, embodying the beauty of Ural fairy tales and the craftsmanship of Soviet architects. This is a must-visit place for anyone who wants to touch history and enjoy the magnificence of water art.