On August 10, 2026, it became known that the building of the former Galaktika Cafe in the Avtozavodskiy Park in Nizhny Novgorod will be demolished as part of the park's improvement project. This was reported by the municipal institution "Nizhegorodgrazhdanproekt."[1][2]

What Has Been Decided

Demolition of the abandoned building is provided for by the current project for improving the area: the structure is in a state of disrepair. In 2023, a different option was discussed — restoring the cafe and returning it to operation — but it was not included in the project.[1][3]

On the cleared site, a new non-permanent catering pavilion may be built when the new zone of the park is formed; the institution described the timeline as uncertain.[1][3]

What Is Being Demolished

The cafe was built at the turn of the 1980s–1990s on the site of a wooden dance floor destroyed by fire. Because of its unusual shape, locals called it "the plate" and "the puck"; in the early 2000s the establishment was still operating, and then it was abandoned for more than fifteen years. By 2026, the roof and brickwork were crumbling.[2][4]

Park Improvement

Preparation of the Avtozavodskiy Park renewal project began in 2023, and the concept was discussed with residents; the cost of the work was estimated at 4 billion rubles. The project provides for recreation areas near the central fountain, a bandshell stage, an amphitheater, a children's center, and a space for young people, while the park itself is to retain its retro styling. Mayor Shalabayev Yuri noted that the upcoming work could prove larger in scale than the improvement of Shveytsariya Park.[1][2][3]

Sources

  1. NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" — The "Flying Saucer" Will Be Demolished During the Improvement of Avtozavodskiy Park (archive)
  2. Newsroom24 — Café Shaped Like a Flying Saucer to Be Demolished in Nizhny Novgorod (archive)
  3. GIPERNN — "Space-Themed" Flying-Saucer Café to Be Demolished in Avtozavodskiy Park (archive)
  4. Open Nizhny — Galaktika Café, Shaped Like a Flying Saucer, to Be Demolished in Avtozavodskiy Park (archive)