Deep beneath the bustling streets of Saint Petersburg, a hidden gem awaits: the Avtovo Metro Station. A marvel of Soviet-era architecture, Avtovo stands apart. Unlike other stations on the first line, it’s a shallow station, built only 12 meters underground. This unique feature means no escalators, just a short descent to a world of elegance. Avtovo isn’t just a station, it’s a testament to the city’s resilience and artistic spirit. Opened in 1955, it was part of the Leningrad Metro’s first stage, a symbol of progress in post-war Russia. Architects Levinson and Grushke, along with engineer Epstein, envisioned a space that transcended mere functionality. They created a palace underground, a place where commuters could momentarily escape the everyday. Forty-six columns support the station’s flat ceiling. Thirty of these columns are clad in rich marble, while the remaining sixteen are adorned with something truly special: cast glass panels. These panels, a pioneering use of glass in a metro setting, create a mesmerizing optical illusion. The faceted surface reflects light in such a way that the concrete supporting structures become invisible. Each column appears as a solid glass monolith, a feat of engineering and artistry. The station’s design echoes the theme of Leningrad’s defense. Look closely and you’ll find laurel branches, gilded swords, and other symbols of military valor adorning the chandeliers, lamps, and lattice ornaments. At the end of the central hall, a mosaic panel titled “Victory,” created by Voronetsky and Sokolov, serves as a powerful reminder of the city’s strength. Originally, all columns were meant to be encased in glass. However, due to time constraints and later, Khrushchev’s campaign against “architectural excesses,” only sixteen received this unique treatment. This makes the Avtovo Metro Station not just a beautiful space, but a glimpse into a fascinating historical moment, a story of innovation, resilience, and artistic vision. The Avtovo station stands as a unique blend of grandeur and practicality, a testament to the city’s enduring spirit.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to