Charles de Gaulle Square appeared in the capital in 1990 near the Cosmos Hotel.
The semi-circular building of a gigantic hotel, the broad highway of Mira Avenue, the main entrance to the territory of VDNKh - these large and significant objects surrounding a small area in front of the hotel entrance distract the attention of tourists from the well-groomed square, in which a monument to the President of France 1959- 1969.
Description of the area
Charles de Gaulle Square in Moscow is a small square, divided between Prospekt Mira and the semicircle of the Cosmos Hotel. Its main decoration is the fountain, consisting of three steps of the cascade. In the evening, the dynamic illumination of the jets is switched on. The fountain complex has been operating since the opening of the monument to Charles de Gaulle on the square in 2005. Before that, the territory was decorated with a single-jet small fountain.
The square is decorated with extensive lawns, which are planted with varietal trees and ornamental shrubs. From spring to latein autumn, the territory is decorated with flower beds and flower beds.
In addition to the mentioned monument, the sculptural composition "Peace" and a granite slab with a brief description of the object were installed on the square. For the rest of passers-by, a long semicircular bench is arranged here, following the contour of the hotel building.
Charles de Gaulle Square is not perceived by others as an independent territorial unit, rather, it is seen as part of Mira Avenue. Therefore, even people passing by or passing by are unaware of the existence of such an attraction in the city.
History of the Square
The Cosmos Hotel was built for the 1980 Moscow Olympics by French builders. The nameless space between the building and the avenue was put in order upon completion of the work, but it was not awarded the status of a square. In 1987, the territory was additionally landscaped by updating plantings and installing the Peace sculpture.
On the eve of the 100th anniversary of the French politician and public figure, the Moscow Council decided to perpetuate his memory in Moscow. In 1990, a small square was named after him. In 2005, a monument was erected on Charles de Gaulle Square and a fountain complex was opened. Recently, the square was surrounded by a wrought-iron fence, enhancing the resemblance of the territory to a small and cozy park. In general, the layout of the area has not changed much since the opening of the hotel.
Sculptural composition "Peace"
The author of the sculpture is the Greek master Stavros Georgopoulos, who made such a giftcity. The sculptor noted that he was inspired to create a female figure by a figurine of the 5th century BC. era, kept in the Archaeological Museum of Athens.
An unusual style of ancient Greek sculpture for Muscovites, called a bark, depicts a girl in national Greek clothes - a chiton. According to the rules of the genre, her posture is static, her facial expression is peaceful, and there is a slight smile on her lips. The kor's hands are usually invested with objects related to the gods to which they are dedicated. The sculpture of Georgopoulos has such objects as an olive branch and a dove - symbols of peace.
Monument to the President of France
The idea of erecting a monument to the leader of France on Charles de Gaulle Square near VDNKh appeared in 2002. Work on the project was entrusted to Zurab Tsereteli, who prepared three options. One of them was hired.
The President of France, dressed in military full dress, stands on a high pedestal and looks ahead. His posture is strict, his hands are lowered at the seams, a portrait resemblance to the original is noted. The General's chest is decorated with the Cross of Lorraine - a symbol of the Resistance movement. The cylindrical pedestal bears an inscription in two languages. During the discussion of the project of the monument, the media reported that the total height of the structure would not exceed six meters, the result was three times higher.
On May 9, 2005, the incumbent presidents of Russia and France, as well as Russian and French veterans, attended the unveiling of the monument on Charles de Gaulle Square.
