Moscow-850, Ferris wheel in VDNKh, Russia
Moscow-850 was a large observation wheel in VDNKh that stood 73 meters high and featured 40 enclosed cabins arranged around its circular frame. Each cabin held up to eight people and rotated along a fixed path that offered protected views over the exhibition grounds.
The installation opened in 1995 as a gift to mark Moscow's 850th anniversary and held the title of Europe's tallest observation wheel until 1999. Operations ceased in 2016 when the entire structure was dismantled.
The wheel operated within VDNKh, an exhibition center that displayed technological and industrial achievements, representing Moscow's commitment to public entertainment and innovation.
A complete rotation took seven minutes and allowed visitors a protected ride in all weather conditions. The climate-controlled cabins shielded riders from cold, wind, and rain throughout the journey.
Engineer Vladimir Gnezdilov designed the structure as part of a six-hectare amusement park within the exhibition grounds. The project combined industrial architecture with leisure use in a public setting.
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