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All Russia Moscow The 'Golden Brains'

The 'Golden Brains'

Some Moscow residents once claimed the bizarre, contorted mass of metal on top of the building was used to manipulate minds.

Moscow, Russia

Added By
Aliide Naylor
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Golden Brains   Nataliya Sadovskaya
Golden Brains   Nataliya Sadovskaya
  Oleg Yu.Novikov
  Синий чулок
  Sergey Ashmarin
The building.   Александр Корчик
The main tower.   Александр Корчик
Lit up at night.   Ivtorov
  Синий чулок
  Carismarkus / Atlas Obscura User
  Carismarkus / Atlas Obscura User
  Carismarkus / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Moscow's RAN (Rossiiskaia akademiia nauk) building is a strange and unique Soviet project that houses a branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Under dark grey winter skies, one might wonder where its nickname, "Golden Brains," came from—perhaps the students admitted were exceptionally bright? But when the sun emerges, the reasoning becomes abundantly clear.

Reflecting in the sunlight, the wiry brown twists and geometric turns atop the building shimmer gloriously, loosely resembling the mechanical workings of the mind.

Construction of the 20-story academic tower began in the early 1970s, though it was first conceived in the 1960s. It consists of two closely spaced towers and lower buildings containing office space. The style is generally referred to as late Soviet modernism, and the unique tops are a beautiful example of contemporary design.

However according to local legend, a former staff member at the building once said that people started experiencing unexplained headaches after its construction. This was followed by more extreme conspiracy theories that the bright metal rooftops were a state instrument for "zombifying" the residents of the capital city, transmitting signals to control the minds of the people.

Related Tags

Architectural Oddities Soviet Architecture Conspiracy Theories Design Art Architecture

Know Before You Go

There's a restaurant inside the "brains" on the 22nd floor. But expect to do it for the view. The food is rather pricey. The terrace is open all year long (catering only in summer; blankets are available). You can see some major landmarks like the Luzhniki stadium, Moscow University and the skyscrapers of Moscow City. The nearby Andreevsky monastery's bells can be heard from the terrace every hour. The low-rise part of the complex houses a 1,500 capacity concert hall, a winter garden and a courtyard.

Community Contributors

Added By

Aliide Naylor

Edited By

serpent, bogorad, Meg, Carismarkus

  • serpent
  • bogorad
  • Meg
  • Carismarkus

Published

March 27, 2018

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Sources
  • http://ss-op.ru/reviews/view/82
  • https://themoscowtimes.com/articles/academy-of-sciences-doesnt-own-its-moscow-headquarters-30042
  • https://foursquare.com/v/sky-lounge/4bc38201920eb713758e1d2c
The 'Golden Brains'
Leninsky Ave, 14
Moscow
Russia
55.71079, 37.577825
Visit Website
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Nearby Places

Monument to Yuri Gagarin

Moscow, Russia

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Moscow

Moscow

Russia

Places 47
Stories 7

Nearby Places

Monument to Yuri Gagarin

Moscow, Russia

miles away

Novodevichy Cemetery

Moscow, Russia

miles away

Fallen Monument Park

Moscow, Russia

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Moscow

Moscow

Russia

Places 47
Stories 7

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