GUM (Glavnyy Universal’nyy Magazin) was one of the most famous shopping malls in the USSR. It was located on Red Square in Moscow and opened in 1893.
The architects of GUM were A. Pomerantsev and P. Shchekotov. The main building was constructed as a system of three passages with a span of 14–16 m, which are connected by three transverse lines.
Between 1928 and 1953, GUM was nationalized and became a state store. During this period, Soviet goods were sold there, and along with sales, cultural events, conferences and exhibitions were held.
During World War II, GUM was used as a warehouse to supply the Soviet armed forces. After the war, the store was restored and continued to operate as a state store until the 1990s, when it was privatized.
In addition, GUM attracts tourists and residents of the capital with its Art Nouveau architecture.
Today, GUM remains a popular tourist destination, and its halls house world-famous brand stores, restaurants and cafes.