The design and construction of Russia's first ice theatre took place over a span of two and a half years (from July 2022 to December 2024) following an individual project specification. The Metropolis company acted as the general designer, carrying out work through several stages: Concept, Project Documentation, Detail design and Author Supervision.

The new ice palace covers an area of 20,600 m2. Despite its relatively compact size, numerous functional zones have been accommodated, including the main ice arena for 2,025 spectators.

Architecture

The sports facility harmoniously integrates into the contemporary development of Mnevniki Floodplain. One of the most striking architectural features is the canopy shaped like an ice skate blade tip. Perforation techniques were employed to create silhouettes of figure skaters and patterns resembling ice skate marks on its surface.

The elegant entrance lobby transitions smoothly into interesting interior designs throughout the venue. A highlight of the entrance area is the installation of projectors that begin immersing visitors in the atmosphere of upcoming shows right upon entry.

Design

Inside the building, there is an attractive entrance hall featuring an open circular staircase and stylish furniture, complemented by intriguing design elements throughout all rooms and spaces.

The project team's mission included fulfilling a symbolic task: creating a home-like environment for all members of Tatiana Navka's ensemble, aspiring young stars of figure skating, and participants of the ice show theatre performing on the stage. This new «home» serves as an atmospheric focal point, fully engaging audiences in impressive musical scenes, concerts, and adding magical charm akin to fairy tales.

The object's versatility

During the design process, the Metropolis’ team collaborated closely with consultants, designers, and managers of sports venues, thoroughly exploring each functional zone: as part of market demand analysis, multiple meetings were held, including sessions with the restaurant chef and beauty salon master.

As part of the sports complex, there is a main ice rink functioning for training sessions and ice shows. During training mode, a 60×26 m ice field is utilized, allowing transformation without spectators in the stands. In show format, the ice rink boards are dismantled, and the area dimensions decrease. Additionally, special places are allocated for disabled spectators accompanied by caregivers. Furthermore, there is a transformable training ice rink sized 60×30 m without spectator seating, a shooting range for hockey players, and a universal sports hall for basketball, volleyball, and mini-football. There are also designated areas for paddle tennis and martial arts (boxing), two choreographic studios, a fitness room and a relaxation hall.

The halls were conceived considering the appeal of the complex not only for figure skaters and hockey players, but also for ordinary residents of the new popular neighborhood. In the multifunctional sports complex every visitor will be able to find something they love here: yoga, dancing, volleyball, basketball, fitness room, boxing, etc. Moreover, those accompanying sports enthusiasts won't have to feel bored either, they can spend quality time in the restaurant, café, beauty salon, use laundry services, watch TV in the recreation area or conduct videoconferences in the conference/office part of the premises.

Engineering solutions

An important objective was to create comfort for spectators in the main arena, to achieve this goal, detailed calculations of the microclimate on the ice rink during performances were carried out. The uniqueness of this solution lies in – excluding the sideboards around the ice field so as to prevent the flow of cold air towards the spectators.

For the development of design solutions and start-up adjustment works, CFD simulation of velocity, temperature, moisture fields, and carbon dioxide concentration was carried out using the hydrodynamic package STAR-CCM+.

Constructive solutions

The spatial calculation of structures considering stiffness of components was performed using the LIRA-SAPR computer-aided design program suite for reinforced concrete constructions of multi-story framed buildings. The calculations were made for bearing capacity, overall stability and wind loads.

Technological solutions

The auditorium was additionally finished with effective and aesthetically pleasing acoustic materials to ensure beautiful, rich sound for musical shows, concerts, or serious competitions.

The official opening and the first show

On January 30, the new sports facility was opened by Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin. «In Lower Mnevniki, one of the largest sports clusters in Moscow and the country is being developed. It will include Alexander Ovechkin's Hockey Academy, preparations are underway for the base of our national football team, an international curling and billiard center, and a multifunctional sports center. And today we are introducing one of the largest sports facilities here – the ice palace. This is a joint project with Tatiana Navka – the first ice theater, which will be very popular among Muscovites and visitors to the capital», - said Sergei Sobyanin at the opening ceremony of the ice palace on January 30, 2025.

On March 7, the premiere of the «Scarlet Flower» ice show took place at the NAVKA ARENA.

On the same day, on the grounds of the newly built sports complex, an award ceremony for the project team took place, initiated by the Department of Civil Construction of Moscow City. The awards were presented to the project team by Rafic Zagrutdinov, Head of the Department of Civil Construction of Moscow City, and Honored Master of Sport of Russia, Olympic champion Tatiana Navka.