Interesting facts about the Ostankino TV tower

Observation decks in Ostankino

Visitors to Ostankino are greeted by two observation decks – closed and open. The open one is located slightly above 340 m, and the closed one is 3 meters lower. The closed, fully glazed observation deck is convenient for visits on windy, rainy and frosty days. Not only the panoramic windows are made of glass, but also the floor, thanks to which each visitor seems to float in the air. The entrance to the restaurant "Sedmoe Nebo" is at the same height.

The open area, which welcomes guests in spring from May, summer and September-October, is absolutely safe thanks to its strong fences.

In addition to the two named observation platforms, there are two more - at a height of 147 m and 269 m, as well as a balcony at a height of 80 meters. These platforms can be accessed if the clouds descend low over Moscow.

The amplitude of oscillations of the Ostankino Tower
The authors of the project calculated that at the maximum possible wind speed, the theoretical deviation of the tower shaft could be no more than 12 m. But for the vibrations of the reinforced concrete body to reach such a value, the wind speed should approach 40 m/s. Fortunately, even during hurricane winds, the amplitude of the vibrations was no more than 6 meters.

Ostankino Tower tilts in the wind
The maximum oscillations of the Ostankino spire recorded at the end of the 20th century were 6 m. Whether the Ostankino tower sways is constantly monitored by special sensors, thanks to the signals from which the speed of rotation of the restaurant, the movement of the elevators and the number of visitors on the observation deck are regulated.

Elevator speed in Ostankino TV tower
After the tragedy of 2000, a long reconstruction was carried out. One of the goals was to increase safety. The elevator system was completely replaced. The number of elevator shafts was increased to four, the passenger lift and descent system was equipped with the most reliable elevators from Thyssen Krupp. In addition, a service elevator was installed.

The lift speed in the Ostankino Tower is 7 m/s , but it can be adjusted depending on the wind speed and the amplitude of the oscillations of the body. In addition to speed controllers, the lift system in Ostankino is equipped with a contactless power transmission system to the cabin.