The Friendship of Nations Fountain is one of the most iconic and monumental features of VDNKh (Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy) in Moscow. Built in 1954, this massive and intricately designed fountain stands as a symbol of the Soviet Union’s ideal of unity among the various republics that made up the state. It reflects the Soviet vision of equality and solidarity between the Soviet republics, regardless of ethnic, cultural, or national differences.
In this guide, we will explore the history, design, symbolism, and significance of the Friendship of Nations Fountain, examining why it remains an enduring symbol of Soviet unity and continues to captivate visitors today.
The History of the Friendship of Nations Fountain
The Friendship of Nations Fountain was constructed during the Stalinist era, at a time when the Soviet Union sought to emphasize the strength and unity of its multi-ethnic and multi-national population. The fountain was part of the overall vision for VDNKh as an exhibition space that showcased the achievements of the Soviet system, particularly in terms of its diversity and collective strength.
Commissioned for the 1954 Exhibition
The fountain was originally commissioned for the All-Union Agricultural Exhibition (which later became VDNKh) in 1954 to celebrate the achievements and cooperation among the republics of the Soviet Union. It was meant to showcase the Soviet Union’s multinational character, representing the unity of its republics in the pursuit of socialist progress.
- Cultural and Ideological Significance: The Soviet government used the fountain to promote the ideal of Soviet unity—that the diverse ethnic groups and republics of the Soviet Union were united under a common goal of building socialism and prosperity.
- Symbol of the USSR: Over time, the fountain became one of the most recognizable symbols of Soviet ideology and identity, celebrated for its representation of equality, solidarity, and the collective effort of the Soviet people.
Restoration and Modern Day
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Friendship of Nations Fountain was restored in 2004 to its former grandeur. Today, it continues to be one of the central attractions at VDNKh and is a symbol not just of the Soviet era, but also of the complex history of post-Soviet Russia and its connection to the past.
The Design and Architecture of the Fountain
The Friendship of Nations Fountain is a monumental architectural and artistic masterpiece, both in terms of its scale and symbolism. The fountain features a central basin, with a series of sculptural elements and waterworks that create an impressive and visually stunning display. The design reflects the Soviet Union’s ideals of unity and strength, incorporating a variety of symbolic elements.
The Central Basin and Waterworks
At the heart of the fountain is a large central basin, around which stand 16 golden statues representing the Soviet republics. These statues hold hands and surround the basin, symbolizing the unity and brotherhood of the various Soviet nations.
- Golden Statues: The golden statues depict women in traditional national costumes from each of the Soviet republics, including the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (RSFSR), Ukraine, Georgia, Uzbekistan, and others. These statues are a powerful visual representation of the Soviet idea that all republics, regardless of their cultural or ethnic differences, were equal partners in the Soviet project.
- Water and Flowing Streams: The fountain’s water flows in an intricate pattern, symbolizing the nurturing power of unity. The flowing water represents the life-giving force of cooperation and solidarity, helping to sustain the strength and prosperity of the Soviet Union.
The Sculptural Grouping
The fountain’s most striking feature is the group of statues surrounding the central basin, each representing one of the 16 Soviet republics. These statues are arranged in a circular formation, holding hands and standing as a testament to the Soviet ideal of equality and unity among its diverse peoples.
- National Symbols: Each of the figures is dressed in traditional clothing representative of their specific republic, such as the Ukrainian woman holding wheat, or the Georgian woman holding a bundle of grapes. The costumes celebrate the rich cultural diversity of the Soviet Union, while the act of holding hands conveys the theme of unity and shared purpose.
The Golden Star at the Top
At the top of the fountain, the central figure of a golden star stands proudly, symbolizing the communist ideals that were central to the Soviet Union’s identity. The star also serves as a reminder of the collective strength and the central role that Moscow played in the union of the Soviet republics.
Symbolism of the Friendship of Nations Fountain
The Friendship of Nations Fountain is deeply symbolic in its design and purpose. The Soviet government used the fountain as a political tool to promote the idea of national unity and the equality of Soviet republics, despite the differences in language, culture, and geography.
Unity Among the Soviet Republics
The central message of the fountain is the idea of unity. The 16 statues of women, each representing a different republic, hold hands, symbolizing the solidarity and cooperation between the various nations of the Soviet Union. The fountain was meant to convey that despite the ethnic, linguistic, and cultural differences of the Soviet republics, they were united under a common socialist goal.
Celebrating Soviet Achievements
The fountain was also a way to celebrate the Soviet government’s belief in the achievements of the Soviet system, particularly in terms of economic and industrial development. Each republic represented in the fountain was also depicted as contributing to the overall prosperity and advancement of the Soviet Union.
Soviet Ideals of Equality
The fountain also symbolized the Soviet ideal of equality among the republics. The statues, each equally represented in the fountain, conveyed the notion that all Soviet republics, regardless of size, had an equal place in the Soviet system. This was an important aspect of Soviet propaganda, emphasizing that no republic or nationality was more important than another.
The Fountain Today: A Symbol of Reflection
Today, the Friendship of Nations Fountain remains a prominent and beloved feature of VDNKh, symbolizing the complex history of the Soviet Union and the ideas of unity and cooperation that were central to its identity. While the Soviet Union no longer exists, the fountain continues to attract visitors from all over the world who come to reflect on the ideals of Soviet-era unity and the legacy of the USSR.
A Historic Site for Reflection
The fountain now serves as a place where visitors can reflect on the history of the Soviet Union, both its triumphs and its challenges. While the fountain symbolizes the ideal of unity, it also prompts questions about the realities of political control and ethnic diversity within the Soviet system.
- Tourism and Cultural Events: The fountain is a central part of VDNKh, and its significance is often highlighted during cultural events, commemorations, and exhibitions related to Soviet history. Visitors can admire the fountain while learning about the context in which it was created and the legacy it represents.
Modern Interpretations
In the post-Soviet era, the fountain has also been interpreted as a symbol of the former USSR’s diversity and the complexity of the Soviet project. Today, it serves as a reminder of how the Soviet Union sought to integrate and unify its many peoples under one collective identity, while also raising questions about the effectiveness and legacy of those efforts.
Conclusion: The Legacy of the Friendship of Nations Fountain
The Friendship of Nations Fountain is a powerful and evocative symbol of Soviet ideals, emphasizing the unity of the Soviet republics and celebrating the collective strength of the Soviet people. With its beautiful design, rich symbolism, and historical significance, it remains one of the most iconic and enduring features of VDNKh. Whether viewed as a symbol of Soviet success or as a reminder of the challenges of political unity, the fountain continues to captivate visitors, offering a glimpse into the complex legacy of the Soviet Union.
