Ksenia Kandalintseva
First designed by Joseph Bové after the 1812 War, the building of GUM badly needed repair in the late 19th century posing risks to vendors and buyers. In 1893, the new Upper Trading Rows emerged – later the store would change names many times hosting Soviet institutions and being on the verge of demolition under Stalin's plan for the reconstruction of Moscow. Today it is a great shopping space with all major brands as well as an entertainment zone with cafés, restaurants, a gallery, a movie theater and a fancy Soviet-style gastronome. The store’s owners host many cultural an social events under its glass roof and in winter open a skating rink on Red Square.
