State Kremlin Palace

Opposite the Arsenal building and immediately on your right as you enter the Kremlin complex through the Trinity Gate, is the ugly, modernist State Kremlin Palace. Built between 1959 and 1961 to host Party congresses and known initially as the Palace of Congresses, the building is a sterile, 120-meter long glass and concrete box designed by the Soviet architect Posokhin.

The building was sunk 15 meters into the ground so as not to dwarf the surrounding Kremlin buildings and churches, but is nonetheless a major affront to its ancient architectural ensemble. The Palace's 6,000-seater auditorium, filled with Soviet architectural decoration, now plays hosts to occasional performances by the Kremlin Ballet Company and various Russian pop and rock artists.