Winzavod is another example of a fruitful renovation of an abandoned complex in Moscow. Once a brewery, later a winery and finally a slum, the area has seen multiple transformations since it was first bought in 1810. Today, Winzavod has shaken off its past and is now a creative hub, teeming with contemporary culture.
Winzavod takes you back in time to the early 19th century, when it was first owned by Princess Catherine Volkonskaya. From the 1800s onwards, the area was a brewery and malt house and in 1870s was bought by Moscow Bavaria. Later, in 1885, a charity housing association was founded by the Khudsov family, which eventually fell into ruin and became a large industrial slum in the Soviet era. All that changed in 2007 when businessman Roman Trotsenko founded the Winzavod Centre for Contemporary Art. The metamorphosis of the space since then has resulted in an energetic centre of art exhibitions, studios, shops and restaurants. Don’t be put off when you first enter the circular complex, it may seem like an Alice in Wonderland rabbit warren of different doors leading to different rooms, but this is all part of Winzavod’s charm. Whilst the staff that work at Winzavod are not necessarily all forthcoming with information about the centre, if you need some guidance for where to start, ask at the ticket booth when you first enter, where you will be given a map of the area.
Summer at Winzavod is undeniably when the space comes to life; as soon as you enter you will find people lounging in the central courtyard, enjoying the atmosphere and soaking up the sun. It’s the ideal spot to simply amble around, dropping into different exhibitions and unusual shops. There are numerous exhibitions at Winzavod, so if you want to plan your visit, check their website in advance to see what is currently on display. The pop/off/art gallery is ultra-modern, whereas the Red Hall and the Arched Hall embody more of the building’s architectural history with its preserved interior. The many rooms with arched ceilings and brickwork foster an atmospheric feel, which transports you back in time to when the buildings were still used as a brewery and a winery.
As well as exhibiting works by well-established artists, Winzavod has embarked on an innovative project to promote up-and-coming artists. START was launched in 2009, to support young artists from Russia to exhibit their work and gain crucial exposure. Graduates of the START programme have gone on to win prestigious art awards and have exhibited worldwide. It is well worth a stop on your tour to preview the talent of these success stories in the making. Of course, no creative space in Moscow would be complete without a selection of cafes, restaurants and bars and Winzavod is no exception. When you first enter, on the right you will see the al fresco terrace of Hitriye Lyudi restaurant, or explore further inside and discover the dimly lit cosy Zurzum café. Winzavod regularly holds film screenings here, which is the perfect creative complement to good food and a classy cocktail.
Once you have finished eating, drinking and enjoying the multi-sensory artistic experience, take some time to wander around the shops and studios. Winzavod is truly an artist’s dream, offering a huge craft store with everything an artist needs from oil paints to canvases and brushes, so pop in if you’re feeling creatively inspired.