Moskvarium VDNKh
Dive into a world of marine wonders at Moskvarium VDNKh, featuring diverse sea life and spectacular shows.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Moskvarium VDNKh
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dive into a world of marine wonders at Moskvarium VDNKh, featuring diverse sea life and spectacular shows.
"The best aquarium I have visited, highly recommended for friends and family!"
🎟️ Book Show Tickets Early
Popular shows sell out; book in advance to secure your spot and avoid missing out .
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the vast aquarium and grounds.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Marine Mammal Shows
Show Hall
Witness dolphins, walruses, sea lions, and killer whales perform incredible tricks in a spectacular water show .

Vast Aquarium Exhibits
Aquarium Halls
Explore diverse marine life, from tiny fish to large sharks, in beautifully designed tanks .

The 'Dragon' of the Sea
Aquarium Halls
Marvel at unusual marine creatures that resemble mythical dragons, a unique sight for all ages .
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Allocate Sufficient Time
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Show Tickets Early
Popular shows sell out; book in advance to secure your spot and avoid missing out.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the vast aquarium and grounds.
📸 Capture the Magic
Bring your camera or phone to capture the vibrant colors and fascinating creatures.
👨👩👧👦 Family Fun Guaranteed
A great place for kids and adults alike to enjoy and learn about marine life.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Show Tickets Early
Popular shows sell out; book in advance to secure your spot and avoid missing out.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the vast aquarium and grounds.
📸 Capture the Magic
Bring your camera or phone to capture the vibrant colors and fascinating creatures.
👨👩👧👦 Family Fun Guaranteed
A great place for kids and adults alike to enjoy and learn about marine life.
☕ Cafe Options Available
Refuel at the food court or nearby cafes after your exploration.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Moskvarium VDNKh is widely praised as a fantastic and highly recommended aquarium, offering a wide variety of marine species and engaging shows. Visitors often highlight the cleanliness, organization, and the sheer wonder of the underwater world, making it a great spot for families and friends. However, some reviews mention concerns about animal welfare and show organization, with specific issues raised about ticket entry policies for performances.
"It is not very interesting part of the complex the orca was in a very small aquarium, anyway there are some interesting colors and creatures for children and also there are a food court, and many other recreational facilities for kids and families, many coffee restaurants are available around it."
Safa Daneshvar
"Fantastic place. I enjoyed very well. The best aquarium i visited. Worth visiting."
Salim AlShukaili
"The best of all the aquariums I have visited. An excellent place to visit with friends and family. Very welcoming, good service, everything super clean, a lot of security on the site, well organized and you can also find a wide variety of marine species. Highly recommended to everyone, you won't regret going. I loved it!!!"
Elizabeth Karola La O Beltran
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Moskvarium is located at VDNKh (Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy) in Moscow. You can reach VDNKh by metro to the VDNKh station (Line 6, Kaluzhsko-Rizhskaya). From the metro, it's a pleasant walk through the VDNKh park to the aquarium building.
Yes, there is parking available at VDNKh. However, it can get busy, especially on weekends. Consider using public transport to avoid parking hassles.
Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Moscow and can drop you off near VDNKh. Ensure your driver knows the VDNKh address for easy navigation.
Moskvarium is a prominent building within the VDNKh complex. Follow the signs within the park, or use a map app. It's a popular destination, so it's well-signposted.
Absolutely! The VDNKh metro station is the primary public transport hub. Buses and trams also serve the VDNKh area, making it easily accessible.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can be purchased online through the official Moskvarium website or at the ticket counters on-site. Booking online in advance is highly recommended, especially for shows.
Moskvarium is typically open daily. However, it's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date opening hours, as they can vary seasonally or for special events.
Yes, discounts may be available for students with a valid student ID. It's advisable to inquire about any available discounts when purchasing tickets.
Unfortunately, late entry to shows is often not permitted to avoid disrupting the performance. Ensure you arrive with ample time before the show begins.
An aquarium ticket generally grants access to all the permanent aquarium exhibits. Separate tickets are usually required for special shows like the dolphin or orca performances.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
The main attractions include the extensive aquarium with diverse marine species, and the spectacular water shows featuring dolphins, walruses, and killer whales.
Yes, Moskvarium hosts unique water shows with marine mammals, known for their impressive tricks and special effects.
Absolutely! Moskvarium is a fantastic destination for families. Children are often mesmerized by the colorful fish and engaging shows.
To fully experience the aquarium and potentially a show, plan for at least 3-4 hours. Many visitors find time passes very quickly.
You can see a wide variety of marine life, including numerous fish species, sharks, rays, jellyfish, and marine mammals like dolphins and seals.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a food court and several cafes within the Moskvarium complex, offering various options for snacks and meals.
Generally, bringing outside food and drinks might be restricted. It's best to check the official policy, but there are convenient dining options available on-site.
The food court typically offers a range of options, from quick snacks to more substantial meals, catering to different tastes.
Yes, the VDNKh park itself has numerous cafes and restaurants surrounding the main attractions, offering diverse culinary experiences.
Prices at on-site food courts and cafes are generally comparable to other tourist attractions. There are also more budget-friendly options available within the wider VDNKh park.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the aquarium for personal use. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect the animals.
The large aquarium tanks, colorful fish, and the marine mammal shows offer fantastic photo opportunities. Don't miss the unique creatures like moray eels.
Video recording during shows might be restricted or discouraged. It's best to check the specific rules for the show you are attending.
While direct interaction for photos might be limited, the sheer diversity of marine life provides endless visual content. Some special events might offer unique photo ops.
A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial due to the aquarium's lighting. A zoom lens can also be helpful for capturing details from a distance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the main attractions, there are food courts and cafes for convenient refueling, and the surrounding VDNKh park offers additional space for kids to run around. Consider booking tickets in advance to ensure you don't miss out on the popular shows, which are a highlight for many families.
couples
The spectacular water shows provide a shared, exciting experience, and the visually stunning aquarium tanks create a magical atmosphere. Afterward, you can enjoy a meal at one of the on-site cafes or explore the broader VDNKh area for a complete outing.
Budget Travelers
Consider focusing on the aquarium exhibits, which offer a comprehensive experience, rather than solely relying on the shows if budget is a primary concern. The VDNKh park itself is free to enter and explore, offering many sights and photo opportunities before or after your visit to the aquarium.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Spectacle of Marine Mammal Shows
While these shows are a major draw, some visitors have noted that the focus can sometimes be more on general entertainment rather than showcasing the animals' natural behaviors. Nevertheless, the skill of the trainers and the animals' abilities are undeniable, offering a unique spectacle that is considered one of the few of its kind in Russia.
It's crucial to book tickets for these shows in advance, as they are very popular and can sell out. Arriving on time is also essential, as latecomers may be denied entry, leading to disappointment.
Exploring the Diverse Aquarium
Particular attention is often drawn to unique inhabitants, such as the 'dragon-like' moray eels, which offer a glimpse into the more unusual corners of the ocean. The tanks are generally well-maintained, allowing for clear viewing of the creatures within. The aquarium's design aims to immerse visitors in the underwater world, creating a sense of wonder and discovery.
For those interested in the aquatic world, the aquarium provides hours of exploration. It's a place where both children and adults can marvel at the diversity of life beneath the waves, making it a core part of the Moskvarium experience.
Ethical Considerations and Visitor Perspectives
Some visitors have expressed that certain exhibits, like the orca's aquarium, felt small, and that shows might prioritize entertainment over natural animal behavior. These perspectives highlight a growing awareness and concern among the public about the ethics of keeping large marine mammals in captivity for entertainment purposes.
Conversely, many visitors report positive experiences, noting that the animals appear well-cared for and that the facility is clean and well-organized. The Moskvarium's official channels often emphasize their commitment to conservation and education. It's a complex issue, and visitors are encouraged to form their own informed opinions based on their experience and research.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit