20 MOST BEAUTIFUL MOSCOW METRO STATIONS

Aviamotornaya (Line 8, Yellow)

Aviamotornaya (Kalininskaya Line) is one of the most impressive Moscow Metro stations, dedicated to aircraft engine designers and featuring an aviation theme designed to evoke the sensation of flying.

The station's ceiling is adorned with anodized gold pyramids featuring stars and sunray prints that represent the universe. Additional decorations include portrayals of major constellations, and at the end of the central hallway stands a sculpture of Icarus. Given the tragic end of Icarus in Greek mythology, the station also pays homage to aviation endeavors that have failed and resulted in the loss of lives.

Elektrozavodskaya (Line 3, Blue)

Elektrozavodskaya (Arbatsko-Pokrovskaya Line) is renowned among Moscow Metro stations for its distinctive and brightly lit interior.

The station's name is derived from the nearby electric light bulb factory. Reflecting this connection, the design includes six medallions in the corner niches of the dome, honoring six key pioneers in electricity and electrical engineering.

After the original architect passed away, the new architects completed the design by incorporating an additional theme. This theme depicts the struggles of World War II, illustrated through the marble bas-reliefs on the pylons.

Kievskaya (Line 5, Brown)

Kiyevskaya (Koltsevaya Line) station's design was selected through an open competition in Ukraine. The large mosaics throughout the station celebrate Russo-Ukrainian unity, spanning from the Pereyaslav Rada in 1654 to the October Revolution in 1917.

Golden accents prominently highlight the marble and granite designs on the platform. At the end of the hall, there is a portrait of Vladimir Lenin, the Russian revolutionary who was the founding head of Soviet Russia and the Soviet Union.

Mayakovskaya (Line 2, Green)

Mayakovskaya (Zamoskvoretskaya Line) is one of the most renowned Moscow Metro stations, exemplifying pre-World War II Stalinist architecture with a Futurist influence, particularly inspired by the poet Vladimir Mayakovsky. The station features 34 impressive ceiling mosaics that depict "24 Hours in the Land of the Soviets."

Its fame was further elevated by its role as an air-raid shelter during World War II, where Joseph Stalin himself resided.

Trivia: Stalin frequently gave speeches and celebrated events such as the October Revolution at Mayakovskaya.

Novokuznetskaya (Line 2, Green)

Novokuznetskaya (Zamoskvoretskaya Line) boasts a luxurious and heavily ornamented design that one might not expect to have been opened during the height of World War II.

Designed by architects Taranov and Bykova, this Metro station honors Soviet soldiers and earned them a USSR State Prize. The station features seven octagonal ceiling mosaics, surrounded by pink and white marble pylons, giant chandeliers, and scattered bronze ornaments. (Be sure to step outside and admire the round entrance vestibule, which is a sight to behold in itself).

Novoslobodskaya (Line 5, Brown)

Novoslobodskaya (Koltsevaya Line) is renowned for its stunning stained glass decorations, a vision brought to life by architect Alexey Dushkin. The station's main attraction is its 32 stained glass panels, each adorned with flowing brass borders and depicting various patterns and figures.

The overall layout of Novoslobodskaya, combined with these elegant panels, creates the impression of an underwater palace. Be sure to take plenty of pictures!

Additionally, the station's entrance or vestibule is an impressive white structure worth admiring.

Park Pobedy (Line 3, Blue)

Park Pobedy (Arbatsko–Pokrovskaya line), translating to 'Victory Park,' is the deepest metro station in Moscow and the fifth deepest in the world, situated 84 meters underground. It features one of the longest escalators in Europe, taking about 3 minutes to reach the surface. The station's predominantly red hue, with its simple red marble design, gives it a modern look. The station is dedicated to Russia's great victories, illustrated by mosaics depicting the 1812 French Invasion (on the inbound platform) and World War II (on the outbound platform).

Ploschad Revolutsii (Line 3, Blue)

Ploshchad Revolutsii (Arbatsko–Pokrovskaya Line), named after the Revolution Square located just above it, was designed by Alexey Dushkin. This metro station is renowned for its 76 bronze statues representing the people of the Soviet Union, including athletes, aviators, farmers, soldiers, students, writers, and workers, symbolizing Russia's transformation from its pre-revolutionary past.

Trivia: There is a popular belief that rubbing certain parts of these sculptures can bring good luck, such as the patrolman's dog's nose, the female student's shoe, the soldier's pistol, and the roosters. You can easily identify these statues by the highly polished bronze parts from frequent touching.

Prospect Mira (Line 5, Brown)

Prospekt Mira (Koltsevaya Line) is one of the most attractive Moscow Metro stations on the Circle Line, and its overall design is a favorite among tourists.

Designed by architects Vladimir Gelfreykh and Mikhail Minkus, the station's ambiance and motif are inspired by the nearby Botanical Garden of Moscow State University. This is reflected in the delicate ceramic floral elements scattered throughout the station, as well as the bas-reliefs depicting the development of agriculture in the Soviet Union.

Slavyansky Bulvar (Line 3, Blue)

Slavyansky Bulvar (Arbatsko–Pokrovskaya Line), opened on September 7, 2008, is one of the more modernly designed Moscow Metro stations.

Architect S. Volovich adorned the entire platform vault with Art Nouveau elements, including curved lamps, delicate metal leaves, and extended branches.

Teatralnaya (Line 2, Green)

Teatralnaya (Zamoskvoretskaya Line) translates to 'theater' in English, aptly named for its proximity to Teatralnaya Square, home to several theaters, including the famous Bolshoi Theatre.

Reflecting its name, the station's main theme centers around the theater arts of the USSR. It features 14 bas-reliefs depicting figures representing music and dance performances from various Soviet regions. Additionally, the station is adorned with crystal lamps, and some of the white marble used is said to have come from the demolished Cathedral of Christ the Saviour.

Taganskaya (Line 5, Brown)

Taganskaya (Koltsevaya Line) is named after a major junction of the Garden Ring, a large ring road in central Moscow.

Despite its name, the architects intended for this station to reflect post-war flamboyance through traditional Russian motifs. Consequently, each pylon pillar features maiolica panels with profiles of various World War II Red Army and Navy servicemen (such as pilots and sailors), surrounded by intricate floral elements and set against a soft blue background for an elegant finish.

Okhotny Ryad (Line 1, Red)

Okhotny Ryad, located on Line 1 (Red), is one of the oldest and busiest stations in the Moscow Metro. Positioned near Red Square and the Kremlin, this station serves as a critical hub for tourists and commuters alike. Its architecture is characterized by a minimalist design with white marble and granite elements, reflecting the grandeur of its central location.

Vorobyevy Gory (Line 1, Red)

Vorobyevy Gory is a unique station on Line 1 (Red) because it is built on a bridge that crosses the Moscow River. This design not only provides functional transportation but also offers passengers scenic views of the river and the surrounding landscape. The station features large windows, allowing natural light to flood the platform and providing a panoramic view of Moscow's skyline.

Dinamo (Line 2, Green)

Dinamo, located on Line 2 (Green), is named after the nearby Dinamo Stadium, one of Moscow's major sports venues. The station's design reflects its sporting heritage, with elements that evoke a sense of motion and energy. It is adorned with mosaics and decorative features that celebrate Soviet athletic achievements.

Belorusskaya (Line 5, Brown)

Belorusskaya, on Line 5 (Brown), is named after the nearby Belorussky Rail Terminal, which connects Moscow with Belarus. The station features traditional Belorussian motifs in its design, including elaborate mosaics and decorative elements. The cultural connection is further emphasized by the use of traditional colors and patterns.

Line 6, Yellow: VDNKh

VDNKh, located on Line 6 (Yellow), stands for Vystavka Dostizheniy Narodnogo Khozyaystva (Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy). This station is close to the VDNKh exhibition center, a major Soviet-era exhibition complex. The station's design is grand and monumental, featuring decorations that highlight Soviet industrial and agricultural achievements.

Spartak (Line 7, Violet)

Spartak, on Line 7 (Violet), is named after the nearby Spartak Stadium, home to one of Moscow's most famous football clubs. The station's design includes elements that celebrate the spirit of sports and athleticism, with motifs and decorations inspired by the world of football. It is a relatively new addition to the Moscow Metro, reflecting modern architectural trends.