400-meter symbol of the Soviet era: the story of Tatlin’s Tower at "The Birth of Scale" exposition

One of the central objects of the architectural exposition "The Birth of Scale" at the National Centre RUSSIA is a model of Tatlin’s Tower, also known as the Monument to the Third Communist International. This unique structure, featuring a double spiral and an inclined mast, was far ahead of its time, and its massive rotating elements still seem like something out of science fiction today. The author of this iconic project, which has inspired many architects, was Vladimir Tatlin, the founder of Soviet constructivism.

Nearly every element of Tatlin’s Tower carries specific symbolism. The foundation of the project consists of three geometric structures rotating around their axis. The largest of them is a cube, symbolizing the country’s legislative power. It was intended to host congresses, meetings, conferences, and other significant events. The cube was designed to complete a full rotation around its axis once a year.

The central part, a pyramid, was designed to complete a full rotation once a month. According to the author's concept, this section was designated for the executive branch of power. At the very top of the structure — in the cylinder and hemisphere — were the information authorities, as well as representatives of the creative elite, to which Tatlin himself belonged.

An essential feature of the Monument to the International was its antennas, radio masts, and searchlight beams, which were intended to project communist slogans and world news onto the clouds in multiple languages. The supporting mast was to be aligned with the North Star, the tower’s tilt was meant to match the tilt of the Earth's axis, and the spiral shape symbolized the movement of a free humanity.

The 400-meter Monument to the Third International was planned to be built in Leningrad. However, by the late 1920s, the country’s leadership had significantly changed its stance on constructivism, and the building was never built. Yet, even as a project, Tatlin’s Tower continues to inspire architects and creative professionals worldwide.

"Just imagine: a hundred years ago, our country could have seen the construction of a building taller than the modern Federation Tower. And although Tatlin’s Tower was never built, its creator continued to receive commissions for model replicas — both for Soviet and international expositions. Even today, Tatlin is associated with fresh, innovative thinking and unique creative solutions. It is no coincidence that his name is used for publishing houses, cultural spaces, restaurants, and even hostels," said Antonina Mazerinskaya, a tour guide at the National Centre RUSSIA.

The partners of "The Birth of Scale" exposition include DOM.RF, the Ministry of Construction of Russia, Gazprom, the State Research Museum of Architecture named after A.V. Shchusev, the Russian State Archive of Literature and Art, the Yakov Chernikhov Foundation for Architectural Philanthropy, and the HSE School of Design.

"The Birth of Scale" exposition invites visitors to explore outstanding examples of Russian architecture, trace the development of domestic architectural traditions, and take part in workshops and other educational activities. Admission is free. To visit as part of a guided tour group, prior registration is required on the website russia.ru.