GES-2 – V-A-C Foundation
A landmark contemporary art institution housed in a reimagined early-20th-century power station, designed by Renzo Piano and dedicated to supporting artists from Russia and the former Soviet Union.
At a glance
V-A-C Foundation is an international nonprofit organization established in 2009 to champion contemporary art emerging from Russia and the former Soviet Union. Its Moscow headquarters, GES-2, transforms a historic industrial building into a vital cultural space through the vision of renowned architect Renzo Piano.
History
Founded by businessman and philanthropist Leonid Mikhelson, V-A-C began as a platform for contemporary art with a geographic focus on post-Soviet artistic practice. In 2015, Renzo Piano was commissioned to design the foundation’s flagship Moscow headquarters. The project centers on the adaptive reuse of a power station built in the early 1900s, transforming industrial heritage into living cultural infrastructure. GES-2 launched in stages beginning autumn 2019.
What you see
The 20,000-square-metre complex integrates Renzo Piano’s contemporary design language with the restoration and reimagining of the historic power station. Piano’s intervention respects the industrial building’s early-20th-century character while creating flexible, light-filled gallery and performance spaces. The architectural approach reflects the foundation’s mission: dialogue across disciplinary boundaries and geographic coordinates.
Cultural significance
GES-2 serves as an open discussion platform redefining contemporary art discourse. It advances work by internationally recognized and emerging artists through exhibitions, editorial projects, performances, and learning programs. By working with local communities and international partners, V-A-C positions itself as a bridge between Russian and global artistic conversations—a role underscored by its dual presence in Moscow and Venice.
Key facts
- Address: Bolotnaya Naberezhnaya, 15, 119072 Moscow
- Founded: 2009
- Architect (GES-2): Renzo Piano
- Site area: 20,000 square metres
- Original building: Power station, early 1900s
- Coordinates: 55.742513595526326, 37.612541913986206
- Website: http://www.v-a-c.ru
- Phone: +7 (495) 980-97-60
Practical information
The foundation maintains offices at Gogolevsky Boulevard 11, floor 8, Moscow 119019. For current opening hours, exhibition schedules, and admission details, consult the official website or contact the foundation directly.
Getting there
GES-2 is located on Bolotnaya Naberezhnaya in central Moscow. Public transport options and detailed directions are available on the foundation’s website.
Sources & resources
Find it on the map
📷 Diventa un fotografo di Cultural Heritage Online
Condividi le tue foto dei luoghi: restano pubblicate con la tua firma come autore. Più vengono viste, più ti fai conoscere — e presto un concorso premierà le foto più apprezzate.
Accedi o registrati gratis per aggiungere una foto