Moscow Estates Festival: Summer 2026
Step Into the 19th Century: Retro photos, dances & games in old-fashioned Moscow
This summer, Moscow’s most beautiful city estates and manor houses open their doors for an unforgettable journey into the past. From 30 May to 6 September, the Moscow Estates Festival presents over 500 interactive events — from retro photo studios and 19th‑century dance lessons to traditional lawn games and guided tours in multiple languages. Whether you are a history lover, a culture explorer, or a family looking for unique weekend activities, this festival offers a vivid taste of old-fashioned Moscow.
Discover Moscow’s Heritage
Now in its seventh season, the Moscow Estates Festival (part of the Moscow City Government’s Summer in Moscow project) turns the capital into an open‑air museum of aristocratic life. But this is no dusty collection of china and chandeliers. You’ll play croquet on manicured lawns, have your portrait taken in a period costume, and collect stamps in a festival passport — then exchange them for real souvenirs.
Key Highlights & Activities
Retro photo studio at Manezhnaya Square
One of the festival’s central attractions is the retro photo studio in Manezhnaya Square. Running daily from 10 June, it invites visitors to step into the 19th century: dress in an authentic historical costume, pose in a period‑style photozone, and take home a memorable picture. You can also fill out and keep a vintage postcard — a perfect souvenir from the Russian capital.
Weekend park activities
Equally exciting are the weekend park activities, held simultaneously at two different open‑air venues throughout the summer. Here, guests can play traditional 19th‑century games such as gorodki (a Russian folk sport similar to bowling and also somewhat to horseshoes), croquet, serso (ring toss), and lapta (a Russian bat‑and‑ball game). Dance enthusiasts can join masterclasses in Viennese waltz, polka, quadrille, mazurka, and polonaise. And just like in Manezhnaya Square, mobile retro ateliers offer the chance to take commemorative photos in historical costumes.
When & Where
Mitino Landscape Park: 30 May – 28 June
Lyublino Museum‑Reserve: 30 May – 28 June
Vorontsovo Estate: 4 July – 26 July
Tsaritsyno Museum‑Reserve: 4 July – 26 July
Lianozovsky Park: 1 August – 6 September
Izmailovsky Park: 1 August – 16 August
Bauman Garden: 22 August – 6 September
Tours and audio guides
For international visitors, many festival estates offer tours, audio guides, or QR code materials in English, Chinese, French, Arabic, and other languages. Below are the participating venues where you can explore Moscow’s aristocratic heritage without any language barrier.
