“Is it true this place is named after the sun?” a young voice piped up. We are standing before the Solntsevo Exhibition Hall, bathed in the warm glow of the late afternoon sun. Solntsevo, a district in Moscow, does indeed derive its name from the Russian word for sun, “solntse”. It began as a simple dacha settlement in 1938, a place for Muscovites to escape the city and enjoy the countryside. Imagine those early days, small cottages dotting the landscape, gardens overflowing with blooms, the air thick with the scent of pine and earth. Solntsevo retained its tranquil character until 1971 when it transitioned from a sleepy retreat to a town in its own right. This marked a period of growth and development, transforming the rural landscape into a more urban environment. The transformation continued, and in May 1984, Solntsevo was incorporated into the sprawling metropolis of Moscow. The district covers an area of over 11 square kilometers and is home to over one hundred thousand people. While many of the original dachas are likely gone, the name Solntsevo remains, a reminder of its sunny origins. This connection to the sun isn’t just in the name. Solntsevo also gave its name to the notorious Solntsevskaya Bratva, an organized crime group. This darker side of Solntsevo’s history adds a layer of intrigue to the district’s story. From humble beginnings as a dacha settlement to a bustling district of Moscow, Solntsevo has seen a remarkable transformation. So next time you’re in Solntsevo, take a moment to appreciate its journey, from sun-drenched dachas to a vibrant urban landscape. Perhaps you’ll even feel a touch of that original warmth and charm, a legacy of the “solntse” that gave this district its name.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to