Moscow Metro

Moscow is a city with a rich history and culture, renowned for its museums, theaters, and architectural landmarks. Among its many attractions, a special place is held by the Moscow Metro—not just a transportation system but a true underground city, stunning in its beauty and grandeur. Millions of passengers descend daily to use the fastest and most reliable means of transportation in the metropolis, but for many visitors to the capital, the metro also becomes a unique tourist destination.

Moscow Metro – A Museum Underground

The Moscow Metro is not just an underground system; it's an entire world where each station is a unique masterpiece. The grand vestibules, adorned with marble and granite, mosaics, stained glass, sculptures, and bas-reliefs, create the atmosphere of a true palace. It's no wonder that many tourists come to Moscow just to see this magnificence with their own eyes. Special attention is paid to details: from elegant chandeliers and wrought-iron grilles to mosaic panels and sculptural compositions. The design of the stations involved the best artists, sculptors, and architects of their time, creating true masterpieces that reflect the country's history, culture, and achievements.

The Most Famous Stations – Gems of the Metro

Not all stations are equally well-known, but some stand out as true gems worth seeing:

• “Kievskaya” (Circle Line): This station is dedicated to the friendship between the Russian and Ukrainian peoples. Its interior is decorated with mosaic panels and frescoes depicting scenes from Ukrainian life.
• “Mayakovskaya”: A station in the Art Deco style, it impresses with its elegant columns clad in Ural stone and mosaic ceilings depicting “Soviet Sky of the Day.”
• “Ploshchad Revolyutsii”: One of the most recognizable stations thanks to its 76 bronze statues depicting people of various professions and social classes.
• “Komsomolskaya” (Circle Line): A majestic station in Stalinist Empire style, adorned with mosaic panels dedicated to Russian military leaders.
• “Novoslobodskaya”: Famous for its stained-glass windows designed by artist P.D. Korin.

These and many other stations of the Moscow Metro are architectural and artistic monuments that attract tourists from all over the world.

Metro Tours – A Chance to Learn More

For those who want to learn more about the history and architecture of the Moscow Metro, special guided tours are available. Experienced guides share details about construction, architectural styles, materials used, and the symbolic meaning of decorative elements. These tours are an excellent way to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the underground city and discover fascinating details.

People's Museum of Moscow Metro History

Located at the "Sportivnaya" station, the People's Museum of Moscow Metro History showcases unique exhibits about the metro's construction and development, the people who created it, and how its appearance has evolved over the decades.

Moscow Metro in Numbers and Facts

• The first Moscow Metro line was opened on May 15, 1935.
• Today, the metro comprises 15 lines and 271 stations.
• The total length of the lines exceeds 466 km.
• The Moscow Metro is the busiest in Europe and one of the busiest in the world.
• Train intervals during peak hours can be as short as 90 seconds, among the shortest in the world.
• Over 40 stations of the Moscow Metro are cultural heritage sites.

The Metro During the War

During the Great Patriotic War, the Moscow Metro played a vital role in the city's life. Stations served as bomb shelters for thousands of people. Hospitals, libraries, and even stores were set up underground. The metro became a symbol of the resilience and courage of Muscovites during those difficult times.

Architectural Diversity

The architecture of the Moscow Metro showcases great diversity of styles. The first stations built in the 1930s were simple in design, but even then, marble and granite were used in their construction. In the 1940s and 1950s, during the era of Stalinist Empire style, the most luxurious stations were built, adorned with stucco, bronze, stained glass, and mosaics. In subsequent years, metro architecture became more functional and simple, but recent decades have seen a return to creating unique and memorable stations.

Unique Features

The Moscow Metro is renowned not only for its architecture but also for technological innovations. Modern stations like "Nizhegorodskaya" and "Salaryevo" are equipped with elevators for people with reduced mobility, interactive panels, and other amenities. The Big Circle Line is one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in recent years, making city travel even more convenient.

Useful Information for Tourists

• The Moscow Metro operates from 5:30 AM to 1:00 AM.
• A single ride costs 63 rubles (as of 2025). Various ticket types are available, including multi-ride tickets and travel cards for specific periods.
• Navigation in the metro is straightforward thanks to clear maps and signs.
• Metro rules must be observed by all passengers.

Combining Metro Visits with Other Attractions

Thanks to the extensive metro network, reaching any part of the city is easy. Nearly every station in the city center is close to landmarks, museums, theaters, and parks.

Moscow Metro – More Than Just Transport, a Symbol of the City

The Moscow Metro is not just a fast and convenient mode of transport but also a unique monument of history, architecture, and art. It is a true underground city that impresses with its beauty and grandeur. Visiting the Moscow Metro is a must for any tourist in Moscow. It's an opportunity to not only travel quickly and comfortably around the city but also touch history, see real works of art, and create unforgettable memories.