The filming of the movie took place in several picturesque locations that became an integral part of its atmosphere. The main part was shot in Suzdal, where the hotel and tourist complex Turcenter was used as the set for the Scientific Universal Institute of Extraordinary Services (SUIES). The interior scenes of the New Year's ball were captured in the banquet hall of this complex, which has preserved its unique atmosphere.
A significant part of the filming also took place in Moscow. The exterior scenes of SUIES were shot near the Soyuz Hotel, a well-known building with a distinctive architectural style. The Ostankino Television Center served as the location for many interior scenes, including comedic moments when the characters got lost in its long corridors. The picturesque area of Bitsevsky Park was chosen for the scene with the troika of white horses. Additionally, the greenhouse of the Botanical Garden of the Russian Academy of Sciences served as the backdrop for Sataneev's confession of love to Alyona. All these places not only created the visual appeal of the film but also added a special magic and festive atmosphere.

Filming Locations:

SUIES Building

In the Movie

Scene where The guest from the south appears against a winter landscape in a light, bright coat, clearly unsuitable for the harsh climate, which immediately attracts attention. With a wide smile and confident gait, the guest heads towards the entrance of SUIES, radiating optimism and joy. Along the way, he admires the building of the center and muses about what kind of people work there. When he enters, his delight at the interior is expressed through loud exclamations and admiration. The guest sincerely enjoys the northern climate and tries to strike up a conversation, but his enthusiasm is perceived by those around him as something strange. He asks questions about the institute's work and tries to explain his intentions, but the staff react with restraint or slight mockery.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the Soyuz Hotel in Moscow. The architectural style of the hotel has a futuristic character that fits well with the concept of SUIES as a scientific and magical institution. The strict geometric forms and modern design elements create a sense of progress and innovation, which perfectly aligns with the plot involving magic and scientific experiments. The large windows and spacious facades of the hotel create an effect of openness and accessibility, which is important for representing a scientific institute. This helps convey an atmosphere of friendliness and readiness of SUIES staff to help the main character in his adventures. Furthermore, the hotel's location in Moscow makes it convenient for filming, providing access to necessary resources and infrastructure. It also allows for a contrast between the urban environment and the magical world of Kitezhgrad depicted in the film. Thus, the Soyuz Hotel was not only a successful choice for the exterior of SUIES but also an important element of visual storytelling, emphasizing the combination of science and magic in 'Wizards'.

SUIES Assembly Hall

In the Movie

Scene where The staff gather for a meeting. Here they demonstrate a magic wand. No one admits to having created it. The chief researcher, full of confidence, takes the wand and begins a demonstration, waving it with enthusiasm. At first, nothing happens, and an awkward silence falls over the room, but then bright sparks and magical effects begin to appear from the wand, causing delight among those present. Each time he tries to create flowers or other objects, unexpected comedic effects occur, such as funny objects appearing instead of flowers. Ivan Pukhov and his friends laugh and encourage the experimenter, joking about his failures. Finally, after several attempts, he manages to create something truly beautiful—flowers or shiny balls. Everyone applauds and admires the result, highlighting the team spirit of the SUIES staff.

In Reality

The scene was filmed in the banquet hall of the hotel and tourist complex Turcenter in Suzdal. This location was ideal for creating an atmosphere of magic and celebration due to its unique interior. The spacious hall with high ceilings, decorated with massive two-meter samovars, became a bright and memorable location. The composition of samovars, created by artist Yuri Alexandrov, added color to the scene and emphasized the Russian theme. The banquet hall of Turcenter looked solemn and majestic, perfectly matching the importance of the moment—the demonstration of a magical invention. The location allowed the director to create the feeling of a large event where institute staff and guests gather. The cozy atmosphere of the hall also enhanced the contrast between the seriousness of scientific experiments and the comedic nature of what was happening. Notably, almost all interior scenes of SUIES related to the magic wand and the New Year's ball were filmed here. The hall has retained its recognizability to this day, becoming a place associated with the cult film. Turcenter in Suzdal became an integral part of the film's visual style, adding magic and festive mood.

SUIES Interiors

In the Movie

Scene where The guest from the south enters the Scientific Universal Institute of Extraordinary Services (SUIES) is full of comedic moments and lively dialogues. When he first opens the doors of the institute, he is greeted by a confusing system of corridors, which causes him bewilderment and surprise. The guest begins to ask loudly: "Who builds like this, huh?! Who builds like this?!" — his voice echoes through the corridors, creating a comedic atmosphere. He notices footprints on the floor with delight and exclaims: "People have been here! People have been here… People… I'll find them!" This expression of his optimism and determination adds lightness and humor to the scene. The SUIES staff, seeing him, first look at him with bewilderment, but soon begin to exchange jokes and comments. The guest tries to strike up a conversation with the local workers, but his extravagant communication style and southern accent bring smiles and laughter. He is not shy about asking questions about the institute's work, leading to funny misunderstandings.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the Ostankino Television Center on Akademika Koroleva Street in Moscow. It was the confusing corridors of this building that perfectly suited creating the labyrinth atmosphere in which the hero gets lost. The complex structure of the television center's premises added realism and comedy to the scene, especially when the guest from the south laments: "Who builds like this, huh?! Who builds like this?!" and "Pe-e-ople, hello!" The Ostankino Television Center was chosen for filming due to its unique architecture and confusing corridor system, which perfectly conveys the feeling of a large scientific institution. It is indeed difficult for a newcomer to navigate this building, enhancing the comedic effect of the scene. Additionally, the signs and plaques inside the television center, designed for the 1980 Olympics, added visual authenticity to the image of SUIES. Almost all interior scenes of the SUIES institute, including moments with the wandering of Semyon Farada's character, were filmed here. The television center became an important part of the film's visual style, emphasizing both the scientific rigor of the institute and its magical atmosphere.