History

Construction of the Cosmos Hotel Complex was intended for catering to the XXII Moscow Olympics in 1980. The architectural project, overlooking the VDNKh fairgrounds (now the VVC, All-Russia Exhibition Centre) and Space Explorers Monument was carried out by a team of Soviet and French architects based on the French project that had been approved by the executive committee of Moscow City.

The hotel project included:

• 1,718 Standard Twin bedrooms
• 53 two-room Suites
• 6 four-room Suites
• catering outlets for about 3,600 seats

While planning the premises layout, the architects had to follow the Soviet building codes strictly, which not only strongly differed from the Western ones, but were much more rigid. The property was built by Sefri Co., France.

Official opening of the hotel took place on 18 July 1979. That was a big fest with many politician, businessmen and pop stars participating. During its more than 20-year history the hotel had a pleasure to see many famous people staying at the property: Joe Dassin, well-known French singer, Alla Pugachyova, Russian pop star, Garri Kasparov, a Russian Olympic Chess Champion.

Interesting Facts

Cosmos Hotel hosted:

• XXII Moscow Olympics 1980 Press Centre
• Moscow Goodwill Games 1996 Press Centre. Headed by T.Turner
• International Chess Olympics 1995
• 1st Global Forum for "Nuclear Free World and Disarmament of Mankind" featuring A.D.Sakharov
• International Festival of Youth and Students 1985
• International Song Festival "A Step To Parnassus" (annually for three years)
• 1st International Beauty Contest "Miss Charm" 1989
• International Conferences by the Ministry of Domestic Affairs. 48 countries represented by Ministers and Deputy Ministers.
• International Convention of Cosmonauts and Astronauts 1984
• International Body-Building Tournament
• TV Shows "Morning Star", "Song of The Year" (for three years)
• Charity actions for the children whose parents perished in military activities and veterans of the Great Patriotic War under the patronage of the Russian Federation Government
• International exhibitions and conferences by the International Centre For Financial and Economic Development
• International trade shows and conferences by the Russian Bank Association
• "Russian Leisure" Travel Fairs and many other large-scale events...

During its history Cosmos has become a winner of many contests. Quite recently, on 11 December 1998 the property won a diploma "For Important Contribution to Development of Moscow Incoming Travel" by annual awards for Moscow City Hospitality Industry Development. A chef Anatoly V. Shalin was awarded "The Best Master-chef of Moscow Hotel Restaurant".