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Soviet Metro Stations: Architecture and the Utopian Dream with Vladimir Ivanov

Soviet Metro Stations: Architecture and the Utopian Dream with Vladimir Ivanov


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Event Description
This seminar will examine in depth the unusual architectural legacy of the metro system in different corners of the former USSR. We'll take a look at the renowned Moscow and Leningrad metro systems to lesser-known networks in Kyiv and Tashkent, from unique projects of the 1930s to mass-scale metro construction in every “million-plus” city in the 1980s. “For us, there was something supernatural about the metro”, wrote Nikita Khrushchev in his memoirs: we are going to see why it is still so through a study of a dozen metro stations.
"Our Soviet metro exerts a wholesome influence on those who use its services. The majestic architecture of the metro stations, their impeccable cleanliness, the efficient performance of the maintenance personnel, and the whole atmosphere prevailing in the metro make a man stand up straight and behave himself,” said one of the party leaders on the occasion of opening new metro line in Leningrad.
Indeed, the world-class subway was a step towards the realization of a dream about a new socialist world. Each station built in the USSR has its own design and personality, comprising various (sometimes uncombinable) artistic influences, such as Byzantine mosaics, minimalist murals, baroque sculptures, and featuring such subjects as industrialization, cultural revolution, and Soviet athletes.
Led by a St. Petersburg-based art historian, this interactive seminar presents subway design as a distinguished form of art and explores the ideas behind their decorations.

Holding an MA in Classics, Vladimir is an author of a book called “Inspired by outer space: images of the future in late Soviet architecture” and a key contributor to TASCHEN's edition "CCCP: Cosmic Communist Constructions Photographed". Vladimir has written articles on contemporary art for local media, done podcasts on photography and the Russian revolution. He has also curated a number of exhibitions, including "The Cradle of the Faith: Christian Presence in the Middle East" in New Michael Palace and "Lingua Sacra" in the Imperial Public Library. Currently, he is doing architectural walks in St Petersburg and shares his vast knowledge of arts through the tours of the Hermitage and Russian museums.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 6 reviews
67%
(4)
33%
(2)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
J
J.N. (New York, US)

Guest did not leave comment

N
Nancy Grayson
Metro Magnificence!

A detailed tour through Moscow’s first incredibly beautiful metro and others in St. Petersburg and Tashkent with historical background. The perfect seminar.

A
Anonymous

Excellent introduction to these ornate underground monuments

E
Ellen
Well done

Very well organized with insightful history and art history. Focused on stations I hadn’t visited, including in Uzbekistan so it was totally new for me!! Vladimir is so engaging and knowledgeable, give him a chance!!

L
L.H. (Hatfield, GB)
Interesting intro to the context and architecture of Soviet metro stations

Very interesting topic and knowledgeable speaker. Some lovely visuals, but I would have liked more.

Customer Reviews

Based on 6 reviews
67%
(4)
33%
(2)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
J
J.N. (New York, US)

Guest did not leave comment

N
Nancy Grayson
Metro Magnificence!

A detailed tour through Moscow’s first incredibly beautiful metro and others in St. Petersburg and Tashkent with historical background. The perfect seminar.

A
Anonymous

Excellent introduction to these ornate underground monuments

E
Ellen
Well done

Very well organized with insightful history and art history. Focused on stations I hadn’t visited, including in Uzbekistan so it was totally new for me!! Vladimir is so engaging and knowledgeable, give him a chance!!

L
L.H. (Hatfield, GB)
Interesting intro to the context and architecture of Soviet metro stations

Very interesting topic and knowledgeable speaker. Some lovely visuals, but I would have liked more.