In the center of Moscow, rich in historical monuments and attractions, few buildings can boast of continuing to perform their original functions after 200-300 years. GUM, formerly known as the Upper Trading Rows, attracts shoppers daily with its many stores, restaurants, and entertainment programs, despite a long history filled with threats of closure and demolition.

History of the Main Trading Square of the Country

In the 17th century, the Upper Trading Rows occupied an entire block of Kitay-gorod, facing Red Square. It was the largest trading area, but without a single building, occupying the territory of modern GUM and the row of houses along Vetoshny Lane to Nikolskaya Street.

A small building on Red Square provided organization to the marketplace, but behind it were chaotically scattered stalls all the way to Ilinka. In the 18th-19th centuries, due to stoves, the stalls often caught fire, but the fire of 1812 did not affect them.

Several significant events occurred in the 19th century:

1815. A small building was constructed on the territory of the Upper Trading Rows according to the design of O. I. Bove, which soon fell into disrepair.

1869. The old building was demolished, and it was decided to build a new one, which was approved by Alexander himself.

1880. The Duma created the joint-stock company "Upper Trading Rows," and in 1886 a committee of merchants was formed for reconstruction.

1888. A competition for the architectural project was announced, and engineer A. N. Pomerantsev won.

1890-1893. The construction of the Upper Trading Rows began and was completed.

The official opening of the modern shopping center in Moscow took place on December 2, 1893. High-ranking officials and heads of the Moscow government attended the ceremony. GUM housed stores, a jewelry workshop, a bank, cafes, and restaurants, as well as concerts and exhibitions. Price tags on paper and a "Book of Complaints and Suggestions" appeared here for the first time.

After the October Revolution

From 1917, the GUM building temporarily ceased its trading functions. It was nationalized, and goods were confiscated. From 1918, Soviet institutions were located in the premises near the Kremlin. Due to lack of maintenance, the building deteriorated, and the power station was flooded.

During the NEP years, GUM regained its lost functions:

In 1921, at Lenin's initiative, the store reopened under the name GUM;
In 1923, the store received a logo from A. Rodchenko, and V. Mayakovsky created a series of posters;
In 1932, a farewell to N. Alliluyeva took place in the demonstration hall;
In 1935, there were plans to demolish the building, but this did not happen.

During the peak of communism, the upper floors were used as living quarters, while the lower ones were for party activists.

After World War II

After the war, the demolition of the Upper Trading Rows was discussed, but it turned out to be more expensive than moving the monument. Until 1953, GUM did not perform its functions, but during the "thaw," it was decided to revive it. Reconstruction began:

A. Mikoyan played a significant role in this;
The store became innovative for the capital;
Under Mikoyan's leadership, the "GUM factory" was created.

During the period of shortages, the 200th department of GUM for rare goods appeared, accessible only to the chosen few. During perestroika, GUM was temporarily closed, but it reopened in 1993.

History in Facts

Some interesting events from the history of GUM:

In 1886, dismantling of the building was planned due to rotting floors;
GUM was the first to implement a system of storage lockers and a cloakroom;
The glass vaults above the passages consist of 60,000 panes of glass;
On May 9, 1945, the victory over Germany was announced from GUM;
Queues at GUM were the longest in the USSR.

The name "GUM" has become a brand, although the store is no longer state-owned. In 2013, the complex received a trademark sign.

Architectural Features of the Building

The chief architect was A. Pomerantsev, and P. Shchekotov and engineers A. Loleita and V. Shukhov were involved in the implementation of the roof and other details. The building is executed in the Russian style with new features:

16 blocks divided by galleries with arched ceilings;
The facade stretches along the Kremlin for 242 m;
Entrances are located on all sides, with the central exit to Red Square;
A unique system of fastening arched rafters was used.

Sandstone, Tarusa marble, and Finnish granite were used for construction. The roof frame weighs over 800 tons. The basements have been restored with bathrooms, the first floor has a demonstration hall and shops, and the other floors are occupied by stores and cafes.

What is in GUM Today?

Modern GUM is a popular shopping and entertainment complex. Here you can eat, buy clothes, and souvenirs. Most of the area is occupied by premium segment stores. Gastronomy No. 1 offers both everyday products and delicacies. A bonus discount system operates in the gastronomy.

Amazing Cafes and Restaurants

There are interesting establishments in GUM:

Canteen No. 57 is decorated in the style of a Soviet canteen, serving dishes based on 20th-century recipes.

The "Abrau-Dyurso" bar offers a collection of wines.

The "Beluga" bar offers caviar and snacks.

The "Festival" cafe offers dishes from various cuisines.

Places Worth Seeing

GUM has places of mystery that even Muscovites do not know about.

Legendary Toilet

In the basements, there is a pre-revolutionary style toilet. Entry costs 200 rubles, and for 1000 rubles, you can use the shower.

Meeting Place, Fountain

In one of the passages, there is a fountain decorated with Italian marble.

Demonstration Hall

Used for exhibitions, fashion shows, and rented for seminars and banquets.

Retro Windows

Historical windows near Canteen No. 57 show scenes from the lives of Soviet people.

Kiosk with Legendary Ice Cream

Here they sell ice cream according to Soviet GOST, made from natural products.

Shoe Cleaning Chair

In one of the corridors, you can use the services of a shoe cleaner.