Hidden Urbanism: The splendour of the Moscow Metro
Life in the world's metropolises doesn't just play out above ground. Metros in the largest cities of the world transport umpteen thousand people from one station to the other on a daily basis. The Moscow Metro has one of the deepest and most frequented metro systems globally. Furthermore, it has turned these underground hubs into full-scale palaces and temples of transport; a visit thus resembles that to a gigantic art museum.
The city of Moscow is growing and reinventing itself - and the metro is part of its urban strategy. Opened in 1935, the most heavily frequented metro system in the world comprises a route network with a total length of 320 km. Each year more than 2.4 billion passengers use almost 200 stations. The aim is for a further 80 km – that is a quarter of the current network – to be connected by 2017. The metro of the Russian capital is thus on the threshold of the biggest enlargement in its history.
Although it is known especially for its art-deco and neo-classical metro stations dating back to the Stalinist period with their opulently adorned columns, sculptures and mosaics, these are just part of the city buried underneath. The recently published book "Hidden Urbanism" traces the development of the Moscow underground since its opening until the present day in large-scale photographs. Some of the historic designs, drawings and advertising posters have never been published before. Take a look inside - it will take you on a unique and absolutelty fascinating underground trip!