Family Center "Kazan"

The Family Center "Kazan" (known locally as "the Bowl") is the main wedding palace (ZAGS) of Kazan and the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia, built in the shape of a giant kazan — a traditional cast cauldron. It stands on the right bank of the Kazanka River, near the northern end of the Kremlin dam in the Novo-Savinovsky District, a short walk from the Kazan Kremlin. It opened on 5 July 2013, designed by Buryat sculptor and architect Dashi Namdakov, and has become one of the city's leading modern landmarks, playing on its name.

Architecture and observation deck

The building stands on an artificial, almost round peninsula and resembles a cauldron over a blazing fire: in the evening, the lighting mimics flames beneath it. Construction took 500 days, from 21 February 2012 to 5 July 2013. Three elevators lead to the roof, where an observation deck sits 32 metres above the river and offers views of the Kazan Kremlin, the Kremlin Embankment and the surrounding area.

Halls and ceremonies

The three ceremonial halls are named Gold, Silver and Eastern, each holding up to 40 people; their interiors are decorated in different styles — the ground floor in the style of Volga Bulgaria, the third floor evoking the era of the Kazan Khanate. About a hundred wedding ceremonies are held here every day.

Sculptures and the embankment

In 2016, a sculptural composition by Dashi Namdakov, "He and She," was installed next to the center — pairs of zilants (the city's symbol) and snow leopards (the republic's symbol) with cubs, symbolizing fidelity and the strength of marriage bonds. Lawns, paths and an embanked waterfront surround the building, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists and a venue for Republic and City Day and other cultural and sports events.