For a city as immense as Moscow, relying on public transit is a must. As a foreigner it is particularly empowering to be able to move around the city with such ease. Although the system does come with the challenge of reading the Cyrillic alphabet, English translations are becoming more common. It outweighs relying on a taxi, which are often stuck in the gridlock that Moscow is notorious for.
The Moscow Metro is actually my favorite part of the city. Contrary to what you may have read, it does not have a terrible odor or stifling heat. It is a modern, clean, rapid, reliable, efficient, safe, and inexpensive public transportation system.
However, what truly makes this metro a gem and of particular merit is the construction of its metro stations. Anywhere else these stations would be considered museums. Many are made from marble and other expensive materials that look like they belong in a Church. Some even have backlit stained glass to give the appearance of being above ground! They are frequently filled with art pieces such as sculptures, mosaics, etc. It said that during one station grand opening in which Stalin was to give the opening remarks, he became speechless upon entering the station.
On my most recent visit, I heard them referred to as underground palaces. Part of the idea behind their grand construction was if the previous aristocracy was able to have palaces then so should the common worker.
The construction of such a lavish system was also a bit more sinister. While the Communists could show that they were wisely spending state resources by investing public transit, the communists also knew it provided a large audience in which they could employ visual rhetoric to reinforce ideology. The art celebrates not only famous Russians but also the common worker. This showed that even the common worker was important and to be celebrated.
It is also among the deepest Metro systems in the world. Some double as bomb shelters. Most lines run linearly with the exception a single circle line. It is often said that its construction was based on a misunderstanding between the engineers and Stalin. As Stalin was reviewing the plans, he placed his coffee mug on top, which later left a brown ring on them. Too afraid to ask for clarification, the engineers opted to construct the line.
If you are ever in Moscow, do not miss an opportunity to ride its metro. Please note some pictures are from previous trips.
// Oliver