MSU-1 GC launched restoration works for Pavilion No. 67, Soviet Press (formerly Karelia) at VDNH. This is one of three buildings in the exhibition park decorated with wooden carvings, and the only one with wooden sculptures.
“After 1957, the pavilion changed exhibitions several times, so the original interior decor was lost.The project envisages the creation of a universal-purpose exhibition space.The restoration team will also work on the roof and façades, paying particular attention to the wooden decor: it will be restored using a specially developed methodology.The stucco decor, door fittings, Mettlach tile floors – this all will be recreated. The building will see its first restoration works since it was built,” said Sergei Sobyanin, the Moscow Mayor, in his Telegram channel.
Kirill Bakakin, head of the pavilion restoration project at MSU-1 GC, says the building has unique features.
“We are conducting a mycological inspection to check whether the wood is infected or not.We are confirming the wood types because several types can be used.The pediment is unique – I have never seen anything like it. It has unique carvings in the style of Karelian masters,” said Kirill Bakakin.
The pavilion was built in 1954 for the exhibition of the Karelo-Finnish SSR and was decorated with natural materials from Karelia: the portico columns were clad with red granite, and the interiors used Karelian birch.
The most valuable building elements are its carved front doors and the pediment with wooden figures of workers and a bas-relief depicting village workers set against the backdrop of Karelian nature.
