“Winzavod” Contemporary Art Center

Moscow is rich in cultural venues, but “Winzavod” occupies a special place among them. It is the largest private center for contemporary art in Russia, located on the territory of a former industrial complex with a two-century history. Today, traditions and innovation, classical art and bold experiments by young artists converge here.

History of “Winzavod”: from a princely estate to an art space

Pre-revolutionary period

The territory of the modern “Winzavod” preserves memories of several centuries of Russian history. In the early 19th century, it housed the estate of Princess Ekaterina Volkonskaya, an influential Moscow aristocrat. The main manor house has survived to this day and greets visitors at the entrance to the cultural center. After changing several owners, in 1810 a mead and beer brewery was opened on the estate's territory. In 1821, the enterprise passed to merchant Friedrich Danielson, who significantly expanded production by adding a wing with a two-story brewery and malt house to the residential building.

The era of “Moscow Bavaria”

In 1873, the factory became the property of the joint-stock company “Moscow Bavaria”. The enterprise was equipped with three steam engines, and it began producing famous beer varieties — “Viennese Pure No. 1” and “Black Velvet”. At the end of the 19th century, merchant Dmitry Travnikov and his sons established the Moscow Combine of Grape and Dessert Wines here, which produced its own products from fruits and berries, as well as bottled grape wines from Crimea and the Caucasus.

Soviet period and transformation

In Soviet times, the combine significantly expanded its assortment, producing up to 170 names of ordinary and vintage wines. However, at the end of the 20th century, production ceased, and in 2001 the Mosvinkombinat was declared bankrupt. The industrial buildings emptied but soon received new life.

The birth of the art center

In 2004, entrepreneur Roman Trotsenko decided to create a center for contemporary art on the territory of the abandoned factory. The idea arose after he saw walls of empty buildings covered in graffiti. The huge area of seven historic pavilions built in the early 19th century was ideally suited for housing exhibition galleries. The project was implemented quite quickly, and in 2007 the grand opening of “Winzavod” took place. Since then, the center has become one of the most popular cultural spaces in the capital, uniting galleries, educational programs, studios, workshops, and showrooms.

Infrastructure and opportunities of “Winzavod”

World-class exhibition halls

The center's territory features several professional exhibition spaces:

• White Workshop — the largest hall, equipped with world-class technical and lighting equipment
• Red Workshop — specializes in exhibitions of photography and video art
• Large Wine Storage — a vaulted space, mainly used for displaying video art
• Fermentation Workshop — connects most galleries and can function as an independent exhibition space
• Hangar, Vintage Hall, Lecture Hall — versatile venues for various cultural events

Leading contemporary art galleries

“Winzavod” unites more than a dozen galleries, each with its own specialization:

• XL — one of the most authoritative art galleries in the capital, founded in 1993, which introduced many artistic names to the Moscow public
• OVCHARENKO — one of the first private galleries in Moscow, supporting contemporary Russian artists and helping promote them both in Russia and abroad
• 11.12 GALLERY — a multifaceted space with a branch in Singapore, featuring works from the realistic school of painting as well as bold postmodernist pieces
• pop/off/art — specializes in works by masters of the second avant-garde, soc-art, as well as artists from the 1990s and 2000s
• Fine Art — gallery focused on discovering new names and young talents
• Totibadze Gallery — represents Georgian artists Totibadze and their like-minded colleagues
• Vladey Space — Russian auction of contemporary art
• Triangle, OSNOVA, Gallery 21 — oriented toward the latest trends and creativity of young authors

Educational programs

The “Winzavod” Foundation for the Support of Contemporary Art operates in several directions:

• Philosophy Club with a public lecture program
• Laboratory of Art Criticism in collaboration with the BAZA Institute
• School of Visual Arts — training in contemporary photography and digital arts
• School for Collectors and Experts — thematic lectures and specialized tours in Russia and abroad
• DanceOptions — dance studio teaching ballroom and contemporary choreography, Latin American dances, hip-hop, flamenco
• Wordshop Communications Academy — education in advertising, video, and producing
• Creative workshops for children in 15 directions

Contests and programs supporting young artists

The contemporary art center regularly organizes nationwide contests in various fields:

• START — a platform for supporting young art, helping promote artists from the regions
• Open Studios — workshops for artists open to visitors
• WALL — a rotating layer on the “Winzavod” wall by street artists, a program for street art and graffiti masters
• Design Territory — public discussions of projects and contests for young designers
• Photo Project — a large-scale contest accepting tens of thousands of works in various nominations

Cafes and restaurants at “Winzavod”

[Tsurtsum] Cafe

This cult establishment is favored by poetry lovers. Creative evenings, author readings, film screenings with critic commentaries, and meetings with writers are held here regularly. The cafe is open from 10 to 23 hours and is famous for its own baking.

Cunning People

A cafe-bar with an author's menu is located in the former tasting hall. Most dishes cannot be found in other restaurants in the capital. The establishment surprises with unusual design, live music and vinyl, as well as pet-friendliness toward guests with dogs. Open from 10-11 to 23 hours, on Fridays and Saturdays — until the last visitor.

Frisbee Coffee and Kraftwerk Bar

Modern coffee shops and one of Moscow's first craft bars also operate on the territory, offering dozens of beer varieties, kvass, cider, and snacks. Kraftwerk Bar is open 24 hours from Thursday to Sunday.

Shopping at “Winzavod”

The center houses about twenty shops and showrooms:

• Cosmotheca — a collection of rare niche cosmetics and perfumery brands
• Alekseev Jewelry — showroom of a jewelry workshop
• Peredvizhnik — store for artists and designers
• Tegin — fashion house with cashmere clothing
• Falanster — bookstore
• Vintage and handmade goods — from small trinkets to serious designer items

Here you can also purchase Art Deco furniture, antiques, vinyl records, flowers, visit a beauty salon and framing workshop. A rare analog black-and-white photo booth has been preserved, and at “Girlfriend's Wardrobe” you can rent haute couture outfits.

Practical information for visitors

Opening hours

• The contemporary art center is open daily from 12:00 to 20:00
• The information center, ticket office, and souvenir shop operate until 19:30
• Exhibition halls and most galleries are closed on Mondays
• Shops usually operate without days off

Photo and video shooting

Amateur shooting is permitted throughout the center's territory. Using professional equipment requires obtaining special permission.

How to get there

Address: Moscow, 4th Syromyatnichesky Lane, building 1/8 Nearest metro stations: “Kurskaya” and “Chkalovskaya” From “Kurskaya” metro:

1. Exit “to suburban trains”
2. After turnstiles — “exit to the city”
3. Go straight and to the right along the railway tracks to the bridge
4. Pass under the bridge, cross the road
5. Walk along the 4th Syromyatnichesky Lane to the turn into the courtyard

The center is located 400 meters southeast of Kursky Railway Station; you can also take a tram to the “Kursky Station” stop.

Contact information

• Official website: winzavod.ru
• Phone for booking excursions: +7 (495) 917-46-46
• Email: [email protected]

Frequently asked questions

What is the main focus of “Winzavod”?

The “Winzavod” Contemporary Art Center is one of the largest exhibition venues in Moscow. Its mission is to support and develop contemporary art in Russia, helping emerging artists and designers from the regions participate in exhibitions and professional contests.

Are there events for children?

Yes, creative workshops for children in 15 directions operate on the “Winzavod” territory, along with master classes and interactive exhibitions suitable for young visitors.

Do I need to buy tickets in advance?

Entry to the center's territory is free. Tickets are required only for individual exhibitions and events; information can be found on the official website.

Can I purchase artists' works?

Yes, many “Winzavod” galleries feature works for sale. Consultants will help select pieces for personal collections and advise on interior design.

Conclusion

The “Winzavod” Contemporary Art Center is a unique space where 19th-century industrial architecture serves as a platform for the boldest artistic experiments of the 21st century. This place unites professionals and art lovers, creating a comfortable environment for the development of contemporary culture in Russia. Visiting “Winzavod” is an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with current trends in art, attend educational events, enjoy the atmosphere of creativity, and spend time in one of Moscow's most interesting cultural spaces.