The magnificent underground museums of Moscow’s metro

Josef Stalin called the metro stations of Moscow  "People's Palaces"
 (Photo: Jorge Láscar -- licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0
 Generic license) 

MOSCOW –Many of the metro stations of Moscow are part of the most beautiful subway system in the world.

Josef Stalin called the stations “people’s palaces” because of their elaborate artistic and architectural designs.  They also were the largest civilian construction project in the history of the USSR. No less important to the program was Stalin’s immense ego which led him to feature designs  reminiscent of an “underground artificial sun.”

By using a mostly volunteer workforce at a time when capitalism was suffering through the Depression, Stalin aimed to impress the world with his country’s technology, industrialization and art, demonstrating the superiority of socialism.

Early stations were the  most
eclectic (Photo: licensed
under the Creative Commons
Attribution-Share Alike 4.0
International license)

With elegant chandeliers, friezes, marble archways, bronze statues, stained glass windows and bas-reliefs, each metro station in Moscow was unique with its own character and personality.

The earliest stations are perhaps the most ornate and eclectic because of the intensity with which Stalin sought completion. Among the artistic depictions, as would be expected, are representations with particularly Soviet cultural themes such as sports, industry, agriculture, history and, of course, the Revolution.

In 1935, when the Moscow metro opened its first 13 stations these are the primary underground locations to visit.

Novoslobodskaya is a cultural gem honoring Russia's military

(Photo: Jorge Láscar -- licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 
Generic license) 

One of the earliest stations is Kievskaya which opened in 1937. The ultra-lavish mosaic in the central hall celebrates the 300-year-old union between Ukraine and Russia. Today it consists of three connecting halls.

Another of Stalin’s “originals”, Kurskaya, dating to 1938, emphasizes mosaics that highlight the strength and fortitude of Soviet society. 

Mayakovskaya is one of most beautiful stations in the system
 (Photo: Ludvig14-- licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share 
Alike 4.0 International license)

Among the most beautiful, and perhaps the most famous, Mayakovskaya, opened in 1938. Dedicated to the Russian poet Vladimir Maykovsky, it is one of the deepest stations in the city because it was also designed for use as a bomb shelter.

One station was designed as a
bomb shelter (Photo: Mos.ru --
licensed under the Creative
Commons Attribution-Share

Alike 4.0 International license)

Believe it or not, another metro system, called Metro 2, was created beneath the being used today as an escape route for high government officials.

With seven hexagonal mosaic panels by the famed Russian artist Frolov, Novokuznetskaya is cultural gem though it did not open until 1943. The ceilings are dedicated to Soviet military operations and industry.

Don’t be misled, not all of Moscow’s stations are grand. In the late 1950s when Nikita Khruschev was in power, the stations became less extravagant, less expensive and more formulaic and undistinguished.

Khruschev’s spartan influence only lasted about 20 years. Since the mid-1970s the elaborate architecture of the metro has returned with more contemporary designs, although not to the degree or depth they were under Stalin.

Komsomolskaya Station is a favorite
(Photo: www.all-free-photos.com)

Komsomolskaya is one of the most popular stations constructed during the Khruschev era. It is a favorite because of its Baroque style and arched yellow ceiling.

Another station under Khruschev’s leadership is Vorobyovy Gory. Built in 1959, it rates a mention because it is the first metro station ever constructed on a bridge.

Moving to more contemporary stations, Tsvetnoy Boulevard, which opened in 1988, features lovely glass mosaics. To visit the most popular and oldest Moscow Circus, this is the one to take.

Dostoevskava Station dedicated to author Fyodor Dostoyvsky 
(Photo: @Alex 'Florstein' Fedorov-- licensed under the Creative Commons
 Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license)

No list would be complete without mentioning Fyodor Dostoyvsky. The 2010 Dostoevskaya Station is one of the newest, and it is completely dedicated to the works of the great Russian author.

Rounding out the list, one of the most popular stations only came into existence in 2003. In a city where the metro stations are known for their depth, Park Pobedy is the deepest. At 414 feet, the escalators are the longest in Europe, taking about three minutes to arrive at the street. Or, for the hardy, you can climb the 740 steps to the surface.

Two huge panels decorate the walls of Park Pobedy with enameled depictions of the War of 1812 in the north hall and another highlighting the victory over Nazism in the south hall.

TIPS:

The system is color coded, but it is useful to have a map written in Russian so you can visually match the station stops.

Be alert for pickpockets, especially during peak hours when the metros are busiest. The best time to ride without crowds is between noon and 2 pm.

Though many stations are magnificent, the rolling stock can be quite old, so do not expect stations to be quiet.