Moscow, the capital city of Russia, is often associated with images of the Red Square, the Kremlin and St. Basil’s. But lately Moscow’s image has freshened and is now more reflective of today’s Russia and its forward-looking, modern culture. Moscow is a city with a budding reputation; it is quickly becoming regarded as a global business and financial center, as well as a cultural and tourist destination, drawing attention from investors, artists, athletes and travelers alike.
Below are some interesting facts about Moscow that demonstrate its 21st century outlook.
1. It’s in demand. Retail space is a hot commodity in the city, with rental prices for prime space almost doubling in stiff competition. Rates can reach up to $7,000 per square meter per year for the most desirable locations.
2. It’s hip. Moscow is home to a vibrant night life, boasting many cafes and clubs, as well as cutting-edge galleries. The Washington Post profiled Moscow back in May, calling it “hip,” and posting an impressive gallery of sights in the city not usually listed on top 10 lists on the Internet.
3. It’s going Hollywood. The Moscow International Film Festival went mainstream Hollywood this year when it premiered Michael Bay’s Transformers: Dark Side of the Moon in 3D at the start of the event. This year’s festival, which ran from June 23 to July 2, also featured Linkin Park in a free concert performing the end title song of the movie.
4. It’s similar to other major Western European cities. A recent report from Cushman & Wakefield confirmed that there are “more similarities between Moscow and, say, London than Moscow and Novosibirsk.”
5. It’s a financial hub. The New York and London stock exchanges are pursuing partnerships with Moscow’s Micex as the government seeks to make Moscow an international financial center.
6. It’s growing and modernizing. Europe’s most populous city will double in size over the next 20 years, with vastly improved road and rail systems accompanying new government and university buildings.
7. It’s home to globally renowned musicians. The Moscow String Quartet recently received rave reviews for its exceptional performance in New York City of classic Russian chamber music pieces as well as contemporary works.
8. It’s a destination for world-class dancers. Historically, great Soviet dancers left their homeland for Western ballet companies, but now that trend is reversing. This fall, accomplished ballet dancer David Hallberg moved to Moscow to become the first American to join the world-famous Bolshoi Ballet. As Bolshoi Coach Alexander Vetrov noted, Hallberg’s move from the American Ballet Theater “may open up new prospects of foreign tours for the theater and also attract new sponsors.”
9. It’s a major host for international sporting events. It is well known that Sochi will host the Winter Olympics in 2014 and that Russia will host the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Adding to this list of prestigious sporting events, Moscow will host the FIM Superbike and Supersport World Championships in 2012.
10. It’s revolutionizing its public spaces. Moscow's Gorky Park will receive a $2 billion overhaul, updating the historic amusement park to make one of Europe’s biggest public spaces a green sanctuary inside a bustling city. The park, which is free to the public and already provides Wi-Fi to its guests, will feature an art gallery and a massive ice skating rink in the winter. The Strelka Architectural Institute, which is implementing the revisions, says it is trying to make the park compatible with Muscovites’ varying interests, noting that this is “the first time Moscow has really engaged with what the people want, and put real thought into the experience of living in the capital.”
In addition to these interesting facts about Moscow, more top 10 lists are available on Modern Russia for St. Petersburg, Vologda and Tatarstan.
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