ZIL is a cultural center, which is often called the first and best recreation center of the capital. Built in the 30s of the last century, the palace is designed in the style of early constructivism. Today it is a modern multidisciplinary municipal cultural institution.
Historical background and architectural features
The construction of a new recreation center was begun in 1931 according to the project of the brothers-architects L.A. and A.A. Vesnins. The main idea of the authors was to create a center for the diverse development of the “new generation”. Initially, it was estimated that a significant part of the palace’s area would be reserved for training architects in the creation of such projects. The building was built in the style of then-early constructivism. The grand opening of the new facility took place in 1937. The diversified center went down in the history of our country as the palace of culture of the Likhachev plant. The building is striking in its scale and original architectural forms. For its time, it was the embodiment of the progress of engineering. ZIL (cultural center) has a simple and logical layout. Thanks to the use of a competent combination of glass and concrete, with its volumes the palace looks soaring above the ground. The facades of the building have the correct geometric shapes and are favorably complemented by protruding balconies, stairwell cylinders.
Activities of the ZIL
Immediately after the opening of the ZIL (cultural center) has become an incredibly popular leisure destination among many residents of Moscow. A large auditorium, a lecture hall, many circles for children and adults, a winter garden, a library - everything was here in order to spend time interestingly and usefully. An observatory was equipped on the roof of the palace of culture. Many families spent all weekend in this multidisciplinary center. The Palace of Culture worked safely before the start of the Second World War. During the war, the building was damaged by bombing, but was subject to restoration. The reconstruction was carried out, and the cultural center continued its activities.
From the old recreation center to the modern center
After the collapse of the USSR, ZIL (cultural center) experienced a period of decline, like many other similar institutions. In 2008, the palace was transferred to the Moscow Government. The building needed serious reconstruction, since for many years it did not even carry out current repairs. In addition, many organizational and functional indoor solutions are hopelessly outdated. The restorers had a difficult task: to restore the original appearance of the palace as accurately as possible and adapt it to the needs of the modern multidisciplinary cultural center. After the reconstruction was completed, the auditorium, a modern cinema, a large library, an art cafe, as well as many creative and scientific hobby groups were opened in the renovated complex.
Today, the cultural center ZIL (Moscow) is an ideal venue for family leisure. There are regularly held performances and film screenings for every taste. In the conference room, lectures and master classes are organized with leading experts in various fields. There is a club for expectant mothers, as well as early development groups for children from 1.5 years. Studios of creative development (from art history to ceramics), a dance studio, a chess club, music and theater studios are open for preschoolers and students of educational institutions. The cultural center also has an evening school and an after-school group, foreign language courses. There are also modern scientific circles, the classes of which are devoted to the study of chemistry, programming, and robotics.
The ZIL Cultural Center also offers a variety of adult courses. Parents bringing their children to classes will not be bored - you can visit the art cafe, library. There is also a bookcrossing area (free book exchange), a bookstore, and there is free wi-fi in all the lobby areas.
