Skip to main content
Support
Event

Brick and Stucco Dreams for the Man of Steel: Stalin's Impact on Moscow Architecture

Olga Zinoveva, State University of New York Program Director, Joint Center for the Study of U.S. and Russia, Moscow State University

Date & Time

Wednesday
Dec. 3, 2003
1:30pm – 3:30pm ET

Overview

At a recent Kennan Institute event, Olga Zinovieva, State University of New York Program Director at the Joint Center for the Study of U.S. and Russia at Moscow State University, described the extensive building projects that took place in Moscow during Stalin's rule. She explained that Moscow, which became the Soviet capital during the turbulent years after the Russian Revolution, lacked the infrastructure to be the capital and major city of a large industrial power. Under Stalin's direction, many of Moscow's narrow streets were widened, a vast subway system was built, and the city was filled with massive government buildings, apartments, and monuments.

Using photographs to illustrate her points, Zinovieva described some of the major features of Moscow architecture in the Stalin era. She argued that Stalin used architecture as both a monument to himself and a means of propaganda for Soviet ideology. The size and grandeur of the buildings symbolized the power of the state and the utopian future that the Soviet people were striving toward. Statues and mosaics adorning everything from Metro stations to Ministries to apartment blocks depicted workers and peasants—at work in fields and factories, reading books, or even carrying guns—always striving with great intensity toward the bright Soviet future.

Zinovieva argued that Stalin's vision for Moscow's architecture was very grand and palatial—as exemplified by the underground palaces that make up the Metro system, and the aboveground palaces that line major streets. However, she noted that this vision did not guide urban development in Moscow until later in Stalin's reign.

Zinovieva identified three architectural styles that characterized different periods of the Stalin era. In the late 1920s and early 1930s, Moscow buildings were done in the constructivist style that was popular throughout Europe. Buildings had clean, simple lines and minimal ornamentation. However, Zinovieva noted that classical decorative features such as columns, sculptures and rounded shapes gradually began to appear on constructivist buildings.

In 1935 Stalin announced plans for extensive reconstruction of Moscow. According to Zinovieva, this plan marked the beginning of the period of Soviet classical architecture. Buildings from that time featured elaborate detailing, colorful facades, and massive gates and arches. The first of Moscow's palatial Metro stations were built in this period. She noted that the period after WWII brought the Soviet Imperial style and even more grandiose architecture. The most famous—and, in Zinovieva's view, the most beautiful—examples of this style are the 7 "sister" skyscrapers scattered throughout the city.

Zinovieva concluded by noting that while Stalin's legacy includes death and repression, he was the only Soviet leader to leave a legacy of great architecture. Today, Stalin-era structures include some of Moscow's best-known monuments and most prestigious addresses.

Tagged

Hosted By

Kennan Institute

The Kennan Institute is the premier US center for advanced research on Russia and Eurasia and the oldest and largest regional program at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. The Kennan Institute is committed to improving American understanding of Russia, Ukraine, Central Asia, the Caucasus, and the surrounding region though research and exchange.  Read more

Thank you for your interest in this event. Please send any feedback or questions to our Events staff.