This Russian artist is creating a silent sanctuary in the heart of Moscow

A Russian artist has unveiled a new urban sanctuary for busy Muscovites seeking a small slice of silence in one of Europe’s busiest capitals.

Created by sound artist Sergey Krasich and placed in the heart of the city’s Gorky Park, Preservation of Silence uses a special design to keep noise out — despite having no roof and no doors.

The concept, which was funded by the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art and BMW, has taken a decade to develop, while the structure itself is made entirely from partially or fully biodegradable materials.

“Everyone who enters — even groups of kids or teenagers — begins to speak quietly once they’re inside,” says Krasich. “Preservation of Silence is a space taken from the city, fenced off and temporarily imbued with properties dictated by the artist, and not by the authorities. Good people can use it for good things.”

The project will remain in Gorky Park until 31 September, 2019.