Russia: Moscow – VDNH

VDNH stands for Russian abbreviation of the “Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy.” Originally built between 1934 and 1939, at the height of Stalin’s repressions, it was meant to show off to the entire world the dramatic achievements of the Soviet socialist economy and industrialization. Today the site is a monument to the Soviet times with classic brutalist architecture and gilded fountains and statues. In addition, a spectacular space exploration museum makes it well-worth the visit, as it holds some of the original first sputnik satellites from the 1960s.