“The Cultural Revolution”. The make of a system for Parks of Culture and Leisure in the USSR 1928-1941

Abstract

The article considers the make of a system for Parks of Culture and Leisure in the process of “Cultural revolution” in the Soviet Union in 1928-1942. It is based on the material from Federal and Moscow archives as well as on the published sources and documents preserved at the parks themselves. There is a study of their wide spread and popularity with the citizens and Soviet government. Methods of propaganda and ideological affecting and their manifestation in the activity of the Parks of Culture are considered, some main examples of sports activities and entertainment are given The article attempts to analyze the Parks of Culture not only as cultural institutions of a “new”type, but also as an active mechanism for promoting the “cultural revolution”in the masses and the public’s response to State policy in the sphere of leisure.The author also tries to show contradictions between the government policy in Parks of Culture and Leisure and wishes of parks visitors. Such confrontation influences the formation of a cultural and entertainment program of Parks,which in the final analysis is a compromise.