This guidebook does not feature the Hermitage or Peterhof because the authors invite you to visit Leningrad. St. Petersburg is present, however, because it determined the character of Leningrad modernism.
Rather than rejecting tradition, here modernism reflected upon it. This is the modernism of traditionalism, not “militant” but in dialogue, which is what makes it so appealing. In the space age, Leningrad architects continued to think in terms of ensembles rather than separate buildings, which seemed archaic back then, but today this environmental approach seems to be cutting edge.
This is the third in a series of guides to Soviet modernist architecture. The first two were about Moscow and Alma-Ata.
By metroWe recommend traveling to Oktyabrskaya (Circle Line) metro station. Turn right after the ticket barriers and right again as you leave the station. Follow Leninsky Prospekt in the direction of the traffic. The walk to Gorky Park will take around five minutes (400 meters). Enter the Park through the gate with black columns (after 6 Leninsky Prospekt, Building 3).
By carThere are paid parking spaces on either side of Krymsky Bridge, one in front of Gorky Park and the other across Krymsky Val, by the State Tretyakov Gallery and Muzeon Park. Parking is limited, and on weekends and public holidays the parking lots may be full.
By landThe nearest bus stop to the Leninsky Prospekt entrance to the park is Pervaya Gorodskaya Bolnitsa (trolleybuses M4 and 4; buses M1, 111, 196, T7, and T7K).
Getting Here
Moscow, Narkomfin Building, Novinsky Bulvar, 25, building 1
By metroWe recommend walking to the Narkomfin Building from Barrikadnaya metro station (Tagansko-Krasnopresnenskaya line). After leaving the station, turn right and walk to Barrikadnaya Street. Without crossing the road, turn left and walk to the Garden Ring. At the traffic lights, cross Barrikadnaya Street (toward the square) and walk in the direction of Novy Arbat. After the VEB.RF business center, turn right into Maly Konyushkovsky Pereulok, walk to the end of the building and then cross the road via the pedestrian crossing. Turn right and walk ahead a little. You will see a traffic barrier. This is the entry to the Narkomfin Building.Walk under the residential block to the end. The entrance to the Narkomfin Building Shop is opposite the communal block, which is the building with the glass facade.The book shop is located on the first floor of the residential block. To enter, press the button marked i on the black stand to the right of the door and wait for a staff member.
By carThere is paid parking on Kudrinskaya Square and Novinsky Bulvar. Please note that the number of spaces is limited, and parking may be full at weekends and on holidays.
By landThe nearest bus stop on the Garden Ring is “Chaliapin House” (buses B, 239, c369, 379).
Getting Here
2A Admiralteysky Canal Embankment, St. Petersburg
By metroThe nearest metro station is Admiralteyskaya. The island has two entrances, both located on the Admiralteysky Canal Embankment side. The walk will take 25 minutes (1.9 km).
By carYou can leave your car by the island on the Admiralteysky Canal Embankment, but please note that the number of parking spaces is limited.
By landThe nearest stops are Ploshchad Truda (buses 3, 6, 22, 27, 70, 71; trolleybuses 5, 22; shared taxis: К-6К, К-62, К-124, К -169, K-186, K-306, K-350) and Pisareva Street (shared taxis: K-124, K-186).
