80th Anniversary of the Opening of the Moscow Metro

All aboard! When you take a ride on the Moscow Metro, you’re not just commuting, you’re also going on a trip through time. One of the busiest public transport systems in the world, the vast network of Russian metro stations double as a world-class museum. From the mosaics and frescoes of Kiyevskaya through the stained glass of Novoslobodskaya, the ornate chandeliers of Komsomolskaya and to the modern homage to Dostoyevsky in Dostoyevskaya -- it’s an experience far beyond a daily commute. Since it was developed throughout 8 decades, Russia’s phases in art, poetry and science all shine through as an organic retelling of the nation’s past.

80 years ago today, hundreds camped out on the streets overnight hoping to be on the very first metro train at 7am. It took more than 30 years to come up with a solution to the city’s transport problems, but the final result was a feat of engineering to be able to tunnel through the city’s challenging soils and rivers. The first train travelled along an 11-km route, with one line and 13 stations. Fast forward 80 years, it now travels along 327.5 km, with 12 lines and 196 stations, and almost 10 million passengers a day.

To celebrate this day, Doodler Matt Cruickshank drew inspiration from vintage russian posters. He started with the map in the metro’s current lines colors and distinctive radial-circle structure but decided to combine the old with the new and ended up using sepia-toned fashion of a vintage Russian poster. He also added a classic train with ‘80’ on the front to pay homage to the anniversary.

A few words of wisdom from Matt...

Did you know much about the Moscow Metro before you started work on the Doodle?

I was very fortunate to visit Moscow recently and to be with someone who could speak Russian, otherwise I’d still be on the Metro! I visited the Moscow Metro Museum too which helped with the history immensely.

Were you surprised by anything you learned about the metro while researching for this doodle?

That nearly 80% of Moscow commuters use it every day! The routes, smells and history must be ingrained in them.

What is your favorite part about the finished doodle?

The train driver and his stunning red moustache.

Thinking about your visit to Moscow, do you have a favourite Metro station?

I liked the one that had English signs :)

Finally, what do you think will be Moscow’s most popular mode of transport in 80 years time?

I’m hoping for flying mechanical horses, but would settle for jet packs.