“These marble pylons whisper stories” Don’t they? We stand before Turgenevskaya Square a place interwoven with history and art. This isn’t just any square in Moscow. It’s a square named after Ivan Turgenev a literary giant whose works captivated the world. The metro station beneath our feet further cements Turgenev’s legacy.
Turgenevskaya Square itself however has seen dramatic changes. A redevelopment in the 1970s reshaped the area. A whole block vanished including the historic I S Turgenev Library and Reading Room. It was a beautiful building designed by Dmitry Chichagov a renowned architect of his time. Varvara Morozova a philanthropist donated the funds for its construction in 1885. The loss was significant a blow to Moscow’s cultural heritage. Only Gubonin’s apartment building survived. It became a temporary home for part of the library’s collection.
Imagine the bustling square before the redevelopment. The library stood proud a beacon of knowledge and learning. Now a modern administrative building stands in its place. The building was acquired by Lukoil a major energy company. The contrast between old and new is striking. It is a powerful reminder of Moscow’s ever changing landscape. Even the names evoke a sense of time passing.
Yet the spirit of Turgenev lives on. The metro station is a testament to his enduring influence. The station’s design features simple white marble pylons. These pylons follow the curve of the underground tunnel. A ceiling of reinforced plastic panels adds a touch of modernity. The walls are decorated with elegant chased brass panels. These panels were created by talented artists Kh Rysin and D Bodniek.
You can feel a sense of the past in the very air. The station opened on January 5 1972. It served as a link between the past and the present. People rush past oblivious to the layers of history beneath their feet. The connections don’t stop there. From Turgenevskaya you can transfer to other lines. These lines lead to other significant points in Moscow. Chistye Prudy and Sretensky Bulvar stations are easily accessible.
Turgenevskaya Square might not be as grand as Red Square. It might not have the same iconic landmarks. Yet it carries its own unique weight. It tells a story of Moscow’s evolution of its losses and its gains. It also tells a story of a writer whose work transcends time. It’s a story worth remembering a story worth exploring. A story etched not only in stone but also in the hearts and minds of those who have known it.