State Kremlin Palace

The State Kremlin Palace (the Palace of Congresses), built in 1960-61 by ateam of artists led by M.V. Posokhin, is the most modern building withinthe precincts of the Kremlin - a structure of triangular marble pylonsand gleaming glass. The architects were awarded the Lenin Prize in 1962,and the Palace of Congresses became the model for modern Soviet urban architecture.The objective of the planners was to create a building which would be inharmony with the late medieval facades of the cathedrals and towers; accordingly,the permitted height of the building, which was the subject of an architecturalcompetition, was restricted, so that much of the structure is underground.But at the same time, the building - erected within the Kremlin precincts,which until 1958 had been almost sacrosanct - was to be open to all.

The Palace of Congresses is, therefore, also designed as a theatre and publichall, and used for congresses, ceremonial occasions, performances by theBolshoy Company, film festivals and political rallies, as well as meetingsof the Communist Party of the Soviet Union.

The main auditorium is thelargest in Russia - 50 m (165 ft) long and 20m (65 ft) high, with seatingfor 6000. It is equipped with 7000 concealed loudspeakers and has excellentacoustics. Escalators lead up to the Banqueting Hall, which seats 2500people, where refreshments are served during intervals in performances,and which affords magnificent views of the Kremlin and of Moscow.

Althoughadmission to the Palace of Congresses is normally possible only with specialpermission, visitors can, of course, see it on evenings when there is apublic performance of some kind.