MERCADAOREIS
A Glimpse at Aviapark’s Scale and Significance
Aviapark stands as the largest shopping mall in Europe — an immense, six-storey complex in Moscow’s Khoroshyovsky District, located on historic grounds of the former Khodynka Aerodrome. Wikipedia+2Occupi+2
- Total area: approximately 390,000 m², with about 230,000 m² of gross leasable area dedicated to retail. Wikipedia+2Fikirnook+2
- Opening date: November 2014 — its rapid construction (begun 2012) and modern design positioned it immediately as a key retail and leisure hub. Dreso+2The Moscow Times+2
- Infrastructure: six floors plus two levels of underground parking offering around 5,000 spaces. Occupi+2MapQuest+2
Aviapark is more than just a mall; it is a full-scale city-within-a-building — a place where retail, leisure, entertainment and gastronomy converge under one majestic roof.
What Makes Aviapark Unique: Attractions and Tenant Mix
🐠 The Iconic Cylindrical Aquarium
At the heart of Aviapark lies its most spectacular feature — a towering cylindrical aquarium reaching up to 22.31–23 meters in height, recognized by the Guinness World Records as the tallest of its kind worldwide. Shoppers can admire marine life — including exotic fish and corals — from multiple levels, creating an immersive, almost surreal shopping experience. Tripomatic+2YesICannes+2
This centerpiece blends architecture, entertainment and nature, giving Aviapark a unique identity among global retail centers.
🛍 Wide Retail Variety: Hundreds of Stores and Flagship Brands
From high-street fashion to electronics, sports gear to household goods — Aviapark accommodates a vast and varied tenant mix:
- Major international anchors include IKEA, Auchan hypermarket, OBI (home improvement), Decathlon (sports), MediaMarkt & M.Video (electronics), and a vast array of fashion, lifestyle and specialty retailers. Tripadvisor+3Occupi+3Technology Confronts+3
- The sheer size enables Aviapark to host national-level and international flagship stores — brands often debut in Russia via this megamall. europe-re.com+1
In sum, Aviapark offers a one-stop destination for practically every kind of shopping or consumer need.
🎬 Entertainment, Dining & Leisure: A Full Lifestyle Experience
Aviapark doesn’t just sell products — it aims to provide experiences:
- A 17-screen multiplex cinema operated by a major chain, offering extensive movie-going options. Occupi+2YesICannes+2
- Numerous restaurants, cafés and food-court outlets — spanning casual bites to full-service dining. Historical data around its opening suggested as many as 80 eateries. The Guardian+2The Moscow Times+2
- Family- and child-friendly offerings including play zones and leisure activities — making the mall appealing for both adults and families. Tripadvisor+2Occupi+2
The combination of shopping, entertainment and gastronomy transforms Aviapark into a weekend destination — not just a retail stop.
Location & Accessibility: Built for Convenience
- Address: Khodynsky Boulevard 4, Moscow — the heart of the former Khodynka Field. Wikipedia+2Tripomatic+2
- Transport: Direct pedestrian access from CSKA Metro Station — just a minute’s walk away. This makes the mall quite accessible via public transport. MapQuest+2Tripomatic+2
- Parking: Ample parking available via its two-level underground structure (about 5,000 parking spots) — convenient for visitors arriving by car. Wikipedia+1
These features ensure that Aviapark draws visitors not only from central Moscow but also from surrounding residential zones — a wide catchment area of shoppers and families.
Recent Developments: Sale Listing & Changing Retail Landscape (2025)
In mid-2025, Aviapark was listed for sale for an estimated 100–120 billion rubles. Zamin.uz+1
- The listing reportedly reflects a mix of debt obligations and changing ownership dynamics. Zamin.uz+1
- The ownership entity is noted as Darkforest Holding (Cyprus-based), previously tied to interests of a major Russian business figure. The Moscow Times+1
These developments signal a shift in the retail real estate environment in Russia — and by extension, may influence which brands remain, future tenant composition, and the overall retail offering inside Aviapark. For potential investors or retailers, this marks a period of reassessment and potential opportunity.
Designing the Visitor Experience: Layout & Ambience
graph TD
A[Ground Level — Main Entrances & Hypermarkets] --> B[Atrium with Cylindrical Aquarium]
B --> C[Retail Galleries — Fashion, Electronics, Home Goods]
C --> D[Upper Levels — Leisure, Restaurants, Cinema]
D --> E[Parking Levels — Access & Vehicle Flow]
- Visitors enter through the ground level and are immediately drawn to the central atrium where the glass-bounded aquarium stands as a visual anchor.
- Surrounding galleries spread out to house a variety of retail categories — fashion, electronics, home improvement, and more.
- Upper floors offer leisure elements — dining, cinema and family entertainment — making Aviapark a full-day destination.
- Parking levels support high visitor volume and make arrival/departure practical for drivers.
This layout, combining a breathtaking central feature with a functional retail and leisure flow, is a masterclass in modern mall design.
Why Aviapark Remains a Benchmark in Retail & Leisure
- Its unparalleled scale — as Europe’s largest shopping center by gross area — gives Aviapark a store and entertainment offering unmatched in the region.
- Its iconic aquarium turns a shopping trip into an immersive experience blending leisure, nature and retail.
- Its diverse tenant mix — from budget-friendly retailers to premium international brands — ensures broad appeal across age, income and interest segments.
- Its strategic accessibility — through metro and ample parking — makes it reachable for a large urban catchment.
- Its mixed-use design (shopping + entertainment + dining) positions it not just as a mall, but as a lifestyle and social hub.
Even in the face of economic pressures and changing retail climates, Aviapark’s foundational strengths validate its enduring relevance.
Summary
Aviapark is not simply a shopping centre — it’s a landmark of retail ambition, architectural innovation and experiential design. With vast retail floors, record-setting aquarium, broad brand mix, entertainment facilities and strategic transportation access, Aviapark embodies a new paradigm for what a shopping mall can be: a place to shop, dine, entertain and linger.
