Экспериментальный элеватор, Brutalist grain silo in Samara, Russia
The Experimental Elevator consists of two 65-meter concrete towers connected by grain distribution systems and situated on Khlebnaya Square in Samara. The structure displays a clear architectural design with large concrete surfaces and geometric forms that reflect the functional principle of a grain storage facility.
The building was completed in 1980 and was the first vertical grain elevator of the Soviet Union, marking a shift in agricultural modernization during the late Soviet period. It represented a breakthrough in grain storage technology and the development of contemporary infrastructure.
The structure displays Soviet Modernist design through its massive concrete forms and geometric clarity, shaping how the city looks even today. Passersby see a building that radiates functional thinking and industrial power.
The building stands abandoned today and is not accessible for regular visits, as it remains in an unused state. It is best viewed from outside on the square, where you can see the structure from various angles.
The architect Valentin Smirnov registered 32 patents for the elevator's construction system, revealing the technical ingenuity behind the project. The design received a medal for innovation at an international exhibition and stands as a notable Soviet engineering solution.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
