Winzavod Center of Contemporary Art, Moscow

Photo by Lite on Wikipedia

Winzavod Center of Contemporary Art, Moscow

Winzavod is yet another shining example of Russian industrial heritage melding with present day art and culture. One of the largest contemporary art centers in the country and an epicentre of creative life in Moscow, the distinct red-brick buildings of this former winery are home to two dozen exhibition spaces and galleries, as well as shops, showrooms, and studios, showcasing the latest in modern Russian art and design.

Photo by Daniel Vogel on Unsplash

History of Winzavod

Russia may be famous for its vodka, but this tipple is not the only one with its roots in local history. Interestingly, the story of Winzavod begins not with wine, but with beer and mead. In 1821, a brewery known as ‘Moscow Bavaria’ was established by merchant Frederick Danielson on the former estate of Princess Volkonskaya. Over the next decades the business flourished into the second largest brewery in Moscow, before being purchased by one of Imperial Russia’s richest men, Vasily Kokorev. Moscow Bavaria became a winery in the late 1880s, crafting grape and dessert wines made of fruit imported from the sunny climes of Crimea and the Caucasus.

During Soviet times, 170 types of wine (including some rare vintages) and also vodka were produced at the factory. Yet the surrounding area was dominated by industrial zones and slums and, following the collapse of the Soviet Union and the bankruptcy of the company, the winery ceased production. Luckily, this monument of local history was not left abandoned for long. In 2007, public figure and art producer Sofya Trotsenko decided to transform the derelict site into the Winzavod Center of Contemporary Art.

Photo on winzavod.ru

What can you see and do at Winzavod today?

Learn about the local history

Thanks to extensive reconstruction, Winzavod has retained its architectural heritage. To the east of the entrance on Syromyatnichesky Lane stands the original mansion of the Volkonsky family, an imposing Classical structure with a grand portico. The winery’s courtyard is bordered by 19^th century industrial red-brick buildings – the original workshops, laboratories, lofts and wine cellars – which house the creative heart of Winzavod. It is possible to take a tour to learn about Winzavod’s history.

Photo on winzavod.ru

Get acquainted with modern art

Experience the newest trends in Russian contemporary art in one of Winzavod’s eleven galleries. Five of its most exciting spaces include:

• Ovcharenko – one of Moscow’s first private galleries of modern art, founded in 1990, and a regular participant in international art fairs and exhibitions.
• Vladey Space – the country’s first auction house of contemporary Russian art.
• Triangle Gallery – presents emerging Russian and international artists working across a range of mediums including painting, drawing, photography, video, and street art.
• Fine Art Gallery – since its foundation in 1992, the gallery has hosted more than 290 exhibitions by established masters and newcomers.
• pop/off/art gallery – one of Russia’s foremost contemporary art galleries, whose exhibitions feature the works of internationally renowned modern and classical artists, and which has held exhibitions in the State Hermitage and Tretyakov Gallery.

Photo on winzavod.ru

Explore the exhibition spaces

Aside from its galleries, Winzavod is home to thirteen exhibition spaces which host all manner of temporary events. Whether you want to visit design or fashion exhibitions in the Pop-up space, attend theatre performances, lectures or masterclasses in the Vintage Hall, or see the latest modern art in the Fertility Hall, check out Winzavod’s calendar to discover upcoming events.

Photo by Daria Volkova on Unsplash

Pick up some souvenirs

Winzavod’s showrooms and shops are the perfect place to purchase unique gifts or just to browse the wares of Moscow’s most creative minds. Visitors can explore:

• Gas Guitars Workshop – a treasure trove of popular and limited-edition instruments, music accessories and equipment, as well as a guitar repair workshop.
• Faces&Laces Local - an independent boutique stocked with the latest trends in streetwear from established and up-and-coming brands.
• Soyuz Pechat – ‘Union Printing’ is a silkscreen workshop selling graphic prints, zines, comic books and other publications by young artists and designers.
• Alekseev Jewellery – a designer boutique selling minimalist silver jewellery.
• Peredvizhnik – ‘Wanderer’ offers professional art materials and stationery for artists, designers and architects.

Photo by Museums Victoria on Unsplash

Grab a bite to eat

After a day exploring this creative hub, you’ll probably need a break for some refreshments. Luckily, there are four cafes and bars in Winzavod which are open from morning till night. You can dine inside or in the courtyard during summertime.

• Café-Bar ‘Hitrye Lyudi’ – ‘Sneaky People’ serves a reasonably-priced menu of international dishes such as falafel salads, burritos, chicken noodle soup, and lamb with couscous.
• Frisbee Coffee – a Scandinavian-style coffee shop selling coffee, juice and smoothies, and light meals.
• Barrel Wine Bar – harking back to Winzavod’s roots, this stylish wine bar is hidden inside one of the winery’s original cellars. Have a drink or attend a tasting event with wine experts.
• Tsurtsum Café – this cosy restaurant has a large menu of Italian and Russian dishes, as well as cocktails, hot drinks, and cakes.

Photo on winzavod.ru

What’s nearby?

Artplay: another ex-industrial site which has been adopted by the creative community of Moscow, Artplay was the first creative cluster in the city, founded in 2003. It is home to architecture and design studios, showrooms and shops, and exhibitions and events, and lies just a 10 minute walk from Winzavod.

Bauman Garden of Culture and Leisure: this beautiful park was founded in the 18^th century and has recently undergone renovation. Visitors can find woodland paths, an 18^th-century mansion, open-air theatre, a number of cafes and food outlets, and sports facilities for all seasons. Opposite the park is St Nicetas’ Church, built in striking Moscow Baroque style.

Andrey Rublev Museum of Early Russian Art: located in the Spaso-Andronikov Monastery, this museum is dedicated to the master iconographer Andrey Rublev and reveals 12^th-18^th century masterpieces such as frescoes, icons, and decorative and applied art.