26 Stadiums Where Art and Architecture Collide in Spectacular Fashion

3. Gazprom Arena (Russia) – The Spaceship by the Water

Saint Petersburg’s Gazprom Arena, also known as Krestovsky Stadium, looks as though it landed from another galaxy. Designed by the visionary Kisho Kurokawa, the stadium’s futuristic aesthetic draws inspiration from spacecraft, making it one of the most striking and innovative stadiums in Europe. Situated on Krestovsky Island, right along the Gulf of Finland, the stadium’s sleek, metallic structure contrasts dramatically with the surrounding water, creating a surreal visual effect. Its retractable roof and advanced climate control system allow it to host events year-round, regardless of the harsh Russian winters. The roof design resembles a flying saucer, adding to its otherworldly appearance.