July 20, 2025 | By TDT Team

If there’s one thing you can’t miss in Moscow—beyond the Kremlin and Red Square—it’s the Moscow Metro stations. Often called the “palaces of the people”, they are more than just transport hubs; they are underground museums of Soviet history, art, and architecture.

I’d read about the beautiful metro stations in Moscow before I arrived, but nothing prepared me for the moment I stepped off the escalator into a space that looked more like a royal ballroom than a subway platform. Marble pillars, glittering chandeliers, intricate mosaics—it was clear that the Moscow Metro is not just a way to get from A to B, but an attraction in itself.

The Art and Architecture of Moscow Metro Stations
Each Moscow metro station is a unique work of art. At Komsomolskaya Station, golden ceilings are adorned with massive mosaics of historic Russian victories, framed by elaborate baroque details. It feels as though you’ve stepped into a grand imperial hall—except trains arrive every few minutes.

Mayakovskaya Station, a masterpiece of Art Deco design, is sleek and futuristic, with stainless steel arches and ceiling mosaics depicting an idealised Soviet future. Kiyevskaya Station is a celebration of Ukrainian culture, with colourful mosaics framed in ornate gold leaf showing scenes of rural life.

Then there’s Novoslobodskaya Station, famous for its glowing stained-glass panels that turn the underground into a jewel-toned gallery, and Ploshchad Revolyutsii Station, where 76 bronze sculptures of Soviet citizens stand proudly, including the famous dog whose nose locals rub for good luck.

Why the Moscow Metro Was Built Like This
Most of these famous Moscow Metro stations were built between the 1930s and 1950s, during the Soviet Union’s push to showcase its power, unity, and artistic vision. They were intentionally designed as palaces for the people, proving that public spaces could be as grand as any royal palace.

The result? Stations that blend marble, granite, bronze, and gold leaf with propaganda art and folk motifs—turning an ordinary commute into a daily walk through history.

How to Explore Moscow Metro Stations
With over 250 Moscow Metro stations, you’ll never see them all in one day, but you can plan an underground Moscow tour that covers the highlights. Many travellers recommend starting with a guided Moscow Metro tour, which not only shows you the most beautiful stations but also explains the symbolism behind their design.

If you’re exploring on your own:
– Buy a single-day ticket—it’s inexpensive and lets you hop on and off.
– Visit early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid rush hour.
– Don’t be afraid to get off at an unfamiliar stop—you may stumble upon hidden gems.

The Experience
There’s a rhythm to the Moscow Metro: the metallic clatter of trains, the echo of footsteps on marble floors, and the hushed conversations of commuters. At Ploshchad Revolyutsii, I paused to watch passengers pat the bronze dog for luck. At Novoslobodskaya, I stood in the soft glow of stained glass, as though inside an underground cathedral.

Even during rush hour, you’ll see locals glance up at the mosaics or pause to admire the chandeliers—a reminder that beauty can be part of daily life.

Why the Moscow Metro is a Must-See Attraction
The Moscow Metro isn’t just transportation—it’s an essential cultural experience. It’s where art, politics, and history meet underground. And unlike a traditional museum, it’s alive with the movement of the city.

On my last ride, I boarded at Park Pobedy, one of the deepest metro stations in the world, and emerged 84 metres later into summer sunlight. Above ground, Moscow shimmered. Below, the city’s most beautiful treasures were still quietly at work—welcoming millions each day, just as they have for decades.