Мoscow State University

Мoscow State University named after M. V. Lomonosov is rightfully considered one of the outstanding architectural landmarks of the capital. The main building of MSU on the Vorobyovy Hills is a majestic 240-meter skyscraper that for many years remained the tallest structure in Europe. This monumental complex in the Stalinist Empire style was built between 1949 and 1953 and became a true “city within a city,” combining lecture halls, residential spaces, and full infrastructure for students and faculty.

History of the Construction of the Legendary High-Rise

From Concept to Realization

The university was founded in 1755 thanks to the efforts of Mikhail Vasilyevich Lomonosov and Ivan Ivanovich Shuvalov. Initially, it was housed in the Main Pharmacy building on Red Square, then moved to Mokhovaya Street. The modern building on the Vorobyovy Hills appeared on the initiative of Joseph Stalin, who in 1947 approved the construction of eight monumental high-rises throughout Moscow.

A Grand Construction Project of All-Union Scale

The construction of the main MSU building became an event that united the entire country. Materials and equipment were brought from various Soviet republics:

• Belarus supplied construction materials
• Georgia and Kazakhstan sent essential equipment
• Latvia, Uzbekistan, and Ukraine also contributed to the construction

Thousands of people worked at the site — from prisoners to young people dreaming of enrolling at the university. The construction was under the direct supervision of Lavrentiy Beria, who oversaw all Stalinist high-rises.

Change of Chief Architect

The initial project was developed by Boris Iofan, but in 1948 he was removed from the position. The reason was disagreement over the building’s placement — Iofan insisted on locating it directly above the cliff, which posed serious engineering risks. The new chief architect became Lev Rudnev, who worked together with Sergey Chernyshev, Pavel Abrosimov, and Alexander Khryakov. The engineering calculations were prepared by the brilliant structural designer Nikolai Nikitin, who would later create the Ostankino TV tower.

Architectural Features and Unique Solutions

Structure and Height

The central tower of the building has 32 floors and reaches 183 meters. The spire with a star adds another 57 meters. From the main tower extend the side wings:

1. Two 18-story sections adjoin the central part
2. From them branch out 12-story buildings
3. The entire composition forms a single harmonious ensemble

The elevation of the building’s foundation above sea level is 194 meters, making the university visible from many points in the capital.

Cladding and Decorative Elements

The façade is clad in natural stone, including marble and granite. Red linear accents arranged according to the principles of the golden ratio add special expressiveness. Above the main entrance is a large frieze by sculptor Georgy Motovilov depicting a procession of representatives of various professions — a symbol of the union of labor and science.

Spire and Clock

The golden spire is clad with amalgamated glass and topped with a star surrounded by wheat ears, created in the workshop of Vera Mukhina. Initially, it was planned to install a sculpture of Lenin or Lomonosov, but the architects decided that any figure would disrupt the proportions. On the tower are four enormous clock dials with a diameter of 9 meters. The minute hand is 4.2 meters long, the hour hand — 3.7 meters. Since 1957 the clocks have been driven by an electronic mechanism replacing a massive pendulum system the size of a five-story building.

Internal Infrastructure — A Real City

Educational and Scientific Spaces

The complex includes 27 main and 10 auxiliary buildings. Facilities for education include:

• 148 lecture and seminar rooms
• More than 1,000 specialized laboratories
• A scientific library with unique collections
• An assembly hall with 1,500 seats

Residential Spaces and Social Facilities

The building provides everything needed for comfortable living and work:

• Dormitories for 2,000 students and postgraduates
• Apartments for faculty and staff
• Dining halls and cafés
• Shops and a post office
• A clinic and health center
• A swimming pool and sports complex
• A cultural center with a 640-seat hall

This organization allows residents to rarely leave the complex, having all essential services within reach.

Landmarks of the University Complex

Observation Deck “Moscow Crown”

On the 32nd floor of the central tower is an open observation deck designed by Lev Rudnev. It offers a breathtaking panorama of the city. Visitors can see:

• The Moscow-City business district with its skyscrapers
• The legendary Luzhniki Stadium
• The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour
• The Shukhov Tower
• Other Stalinist high-rises — Hotel Ukraina, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building

Access to the deck is available as part of an organized tour with a professional guide.

Museum of Earth Science

This unique exhibition occupies seven floors in the upper part of the building — from the 24th to the 28th and the 30th–31st floors. In 24 museum halls are displayed:

• Meteorite and mineral collections
• Soil samples from various regions
• Stuffed representatives of the fauna of the former USSR
• Paintings depicting the landscapes of CIS countries
• Materials on geographical discoveries

More than 200 artists and sculptors participated in the museum’s interior design, making it not only scientific but also an artistic space.

MSU Botanical Garden

The landscape-park ensemble occupies most of the complex’s territory. Out of a total area of 167.43 hectares, only 9.1 ha are used for construction. The rest is a green zone with:

• 50,000 trees of various species
• 400,000 shrubs
• A dendrarium and alpine garden
• A collection of decorative plants

The botanical garden was created in the 1950s for research purposes and today contains more than 2,500 plant species. Guided tours and workshops on caring for rare plants are held here.

Mysteries and Legends of the Stalinist High-Rises

Mysteries of the Underground Floors

The basements of the main MSU building are surrounded by many myths. Officially, there are two underground levels, but legends claim there are many more. The most popular versions include:

• The basements’ depth matches the height of the above-ground structure
• A secret underground city lies beneath the building
• The fountains at the entrance conceal the entrance to a bunker
• Freezing chambers were installed at the base to reinforce the foundation

Conspiracy Theories

Enthusiasts of mysteries put forward the most incredible ideas:

1. The building is made of ultra-strong materials and in an explosion would fall toward the Vorobyovy Hills
2. The main building is a disguised spacecraft ready for launch
3. A secret branch of “Metro-2” runs under the university toward Vnukovo Airport
4. There are underground tunnels connecting MSU to the Kremlin

Stories of Escapes and Ghosts

One of the most romantic legends tells of a prisoner-scientist who built a homemade flying device and escaped from the top floor. The ending varies: in one version he was caught, in another — he fled successfully. The involvement of prisoners inspired tales of foremen walled up in the walls and workers who died from hard labor. Students and staff still speak of strange noises in the corridors and a sense of unseen presence.

Sculptural Decorations of the Territory

The MSU complex is adorned with numerous monuments and sculptures by outstanding masters. On the grounds are located:

• Monument to Mikhail Lomonosov by Nikolai Tomsky
• Monument to Dmitri Mendeleev by sculptor Andrey Bembel
• Monument to Alexander Stoletov by Sergey Selikhonov
• Composition “Eternal Youth of Science” by Vera Mukhina
• Busts of prominent scholars along the alley near the pool

The assembly hall is decorated with a large mosaic panel by Pavel Korin, depicting the banners of sciences and symbolizing the triumph of knowledge.

How to Get to the Main MSU Building

Exact Address

The university is located at: Leninskiye Gory microdistrict, building 1. The façade faces Akademik Samarsky Street and Universitetsky Avenue.

Public Transport

Several bus stops are located nearby:

• “Lebedev Street” — routes No. 57, 111
• “MSU Palace of Culture” — routes No. 1, 57, 113, 119, 419, 464, 572, 661, 715
• “MSU Library” — routes No. 67, 103, 130, 187, 260, 266, 447, 464, 470, 487, 845, 908, т34, т49

Metro Stations

The nearest Moscow Metro stations:

1. “Lomonosovsky Prospekt” (Yellow Line) — 15 minutes on foot
2. “Universitet” (Red Line) — 20 minutes on foot
3. “Vorobyovy Gory” — about 30 minutes, with a chance to visit the riverside viewpoint along the way

The Main MSU Building Today

Seven decades after its opening, the main building remains the heart of the university. The central tower houses the rectorate, administration, and three faculties — Geology, Mechanics and Mathematics, and Geography. The building continues to function as a full educational and residential complex. Despite the emergence of taller buildings in Moscow, MSU remains the tallest of the seven Stalinist high-rises and one of the key symbols of the capital. The university is included in all tourist routes around Moscow and attracts thousands of visitors annually. Its majestic architecture, rich history, unique infrastructure, and the legends surrounding the building make the main MSU building an essential stop for anyone wishing to explore the architectural heritage of the Soviet era and experience the atmosphere of one of Russia’s leading educational centers.