The Moscow Metro

September 25, 2006

I never thought I would end up giving Moscow’s Metro system its own web-page. I had heard the Metro was nice but when I learned that the “Moscow by Night Tour” included a tour of the Metro, I thought, come on, how nice can it be?

I have been in a lot of subways around the world and although some of them are more distinctive than others, there was no doubt that there isn’t another Metro system like this one. Nice” doesn’t exactly describe it – more like palatial. I guess that is why it is often called “the people’s palaces”.

The first phase of the Metro was built when Stalin ruled and it was designed not only to transport people but also to server as bomb shelters and bunkers which was critical during WWII. I tour guide pointed out that there were private rails just for Stalin himself.

Stalin used the project to showcase the ideals of communism. The construction of the Metro system demonstrated the vision and efficiency of communist state. The elaborately designed and decorated stations are filled with art depicting eternally happy communist people doing day-to-day tasks supporting the communist state.

Two thoughts occurred to me while we toured the Metro, the first was that it some places it was almost eerie with all of the communist propaganda and as our tour guide called it, “the cement smiles”. There was no doubt where I was and who it was built by. The second thought was far less serious, “Thank God I am on a tour, how are you supposed to read these signs? I thought Paris was challenging!”