Published on: 2026-08-19
Source: Moscow Government – Правительства Москвы –
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In the center of the capital, at Manezhnaya Square, an atmospheric photo studio operates from June 10 to September 6 “Moscow Estates”. The space is designed in the style of a summer garden: guests can not only take photos but also participate in the daily program as part of the festival “Moscow Estates”. The organizers suggest returning to the tradition of printed photographs: take a shot, print it out, and keep it in an album as a keepsake.
Free retro photo studio: costumes and vintage photos
Visitors to the photo studio can try on vintage outfits for free and take a memorable photo in retro style. Each photo can be received in a vintage passe-partout — a thick paper frame.
In the center of Moscow, the organizers recreated the atmosphere of a manor garden. The interior area is styled as a living room of the 19th century: furniture, props, and decor transport you to the era of balls, handwritten postcards, and leisurely walks.
“The photo salon ‘Estates of Moscow’ at Manezhnaya Square is a popular space of the festival. Between June 10 and August 14, it was visited by about 510 thousand people. Approximately 40 thousand people visited the photo salon, including about 12 thousand from other countries. The venue hosts a daily program with creative master classes and features a retro photo studio. The image space enhances the festival’s recognition, including among regional and foreign tourists,” says Irina Kokoreva, curator of the ‘Estates of Moscow’ festival.
Retro photo studio is one of the most popular formats among guests. Professional actors and costume designers help to pick a historical costume, create a romantic image, and feel like a novel’s hero.
Filming is conducted using stylized props. Guests of the photo studio do not receive a digital file, but a ready printed photograph that can be placed in a frame. This is a return to the film aesthetic appreciated by enthusiasts of analog photography and book escapism.
Cultural Space: Master Classes and Estate Mail
In Manezhnaya Square, there is not just a photo zone, but a full-fledged cultural space. Every day, creative workshops are held here where you can make souvenirs with your own hands. The program is designed for all ages, so the venue is suitable for family recreation. Special attention should be paid to the estate post office: on branded postcards featuring views of Moscow estates, you can write warm wishes and send them to any city in Russia.
The photo studio can be called the calling card of the “Summer in Moscow” project. Last season demonstrated its popularity: over 315 thousand people visited the venue during the winter, including not only Muscovites but also tourists from Belarus, China, India, the UAE, Iran, and other countries.
“Moscow Estates” is not just a photo studio. It is a project that reminds us that real memories are born not in a digital archive, but in the moment: trying on a historical costume, standing in front of the camera, and sharing that moment with loved ones. For foreigners, it is an opportunity to discover Moscow’s estate culture; for Russians, to see the capital from a new, almost theatrical perspective. The festival revives this tradition.
Seventh season: 77 venues and more than 800 events
The seventh season of the “Moscow Estates” festival began in the capital on May 30. Residents and guests of the city will be able to visit 60 historical estates and cultural spaces, and also take part in more than 800 events at 77 venues. For the first time, the festival is integrated into the capital’s iconic attractions, creating popular places among Muscovites and tourists. The festival will last 100 days, offering guests a rich program.
This year, regional estates joined the festival for the first time. Among them are the Gorki Leninskiye museum-reserve, the A.P. Chekhov Melikhovo estate, the F.M. Dostoevsky Darovoe museum-estate, the F.I. Tyutchev Muronovo estate, and the Yasnaya Polyana museum in the Tula region.
With each season, the festival strengthens its status as one of the flagship cultural projects of the capital. Over three years, more than 7,700 events have been held, attended by over 3.5 million people.
“Summer in Moscow” — the main event of the season, which has already become a good tradition and an integral part of the capital’s life. The main theme this year is “Time to be together.” The project unites people of different generations around common values, allowing them to become closer not only to their relatives but also to the entire city through walks, cultural and sports events, charitable actions, as well as right next to home in all districts of the capital.
The “Moscow Estates” festival aligns with the “Tourist Attractiveness of the Country” initiative of the national project “Tourism and Hospitality” and helps residents and guests learn about the city’s cultural and historical heritage in a modern format. More information about Russia’s national projects and the capital’s contribution can be found at special page.
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