Ever since it was opened in 1928, Gorky Park has been a central part of Moscow life. Although it became somewhat decrepit in the years after the collapse of communism, it has enjoyed a facelift since being taken over by new management in March 2011.
Moscow's Gorky Park
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An aerial view of Gorky Park in 1979. For decades, the 300-acre park has provided Muscovites with a swath of tranquil greenery in the heart of the Russian capital.
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The park was a major center of "leisure and culture" during the Soviet era.
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Although the park and its attractions remained popular with Muscovites, they were starting to suffer from neglect by the turn of this century.
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A number of cheap stalls and cafes were also blamed for lowering the tone of the park.
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The park's reputation was not helped by the fact that it became the focal point of celebrations for ex-servicemen celebrating various military anniversaries.
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It is also being used as a venue for various creative performances and innovative art installations, such as this mural made completely out of coffee beans.
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A dance performance in Gorky Park earlier this year
