Moscow Metro: Underground Monument of Architecture

Not all of the projects presented here were put into practice. Some of them remained quite literally on the drawing board, such as this draft of Kievskaya Station by Georgyi Golts. The ivy-colored columns were ultimately replaced by poles with mosaic panels. / G. Golz. Metro Station Project "Kiyevskaya". 1944-1945.

Press photo / Shchusev State Museum of Architecture

The exhibited works are of interest not only as architectural plans for Metro stations, but as an important example of Soviet draftsmanship. / D. Chechulin. Metro Station Project “Okhotny Ryad”. 1934.

Press photo / Shchusev State Museum of Architecture

Hand-drawn detailed blueprints are now on display as part of a large exposition entitled 'Moscow Metro: Underground Museum of Architecture'.

Press photo / Shchusev State Museum of Architecture

The very first line of the Moscow Metro was officially unveiled on May 15, 1935. Running from Sokolniki to Park Kultury, the line was just 11 kilometers long and featured 13 stations. / D. Fridman. Central Electrical Substation Project. 1930s.

Press photo / Shchusev State Museum of Architecture

But from its humble beginnings, the Moscow metro has since expanded to become the world's busiest underground rail system outside Asia, with over 9 million journeys made on the network every day. / D. Chechulin, A. Tarhov. Metro station Komsomolskaya". 1938.

Press photo / Shchusev State Museum of Architecture

The system is considered the most beautiful metro in the world, with the opulent decoration of many of its older stations leaving newcomers astounded. / D. Chechulin. Metro Station Dynamo. Photo by V. Savostianov and L. Velikzhanin. 1947.

Press photo / Shchusev State Museum of Architecture

Today there are 196 stations in the capital's subway system (44 of which are cultural heritage sites), and the network is continuing to expand. / N.Kolli, S. Andrievsky, with the assistance of L. Schuhareva. Metro Station “Izmaylovskaya” (now “Partizanskaya”). Late 1940s.

Press photo / Shchusev State Museum of Architecture