Dark arches, smoke from a steam locomotive, stuffiness in class 1-2 carriages, dust in open class 3 carriages - this is what the first metro is. It opened in London in 1863. Much has changed since then: instead of steam locomotives, electric locomotives have been operating for a long time, subways began to compete in the comfort of carriages, and subway stations in design.
Today, when traveling, we go down the subway not only to save time. But also in order to admire the extraordinary decoration or the unique decoration of the underground stops.
Formosa Boulevard, Taiwan
The station is the largest tourist attraction in the ancient city of Kaohsiung, and one of the most famous on the island. The extraordinary stained glass light panels are considered the largest glass product in the world. The diameter of the dome is 30 meters, and the total area is more than 660 square meters. meters. The idea of a mosaic of hundreds of thousands of glass pieces: 4 themes of human life, embodied in 4 elements.
For the unusual appearance of the atrium ceiling on powerful supports with internal illumination, the locals call the platform a dome of light. The grandeur and beauty of this creation attracts not only tourists. The station has become a favorite spot for photographing newlyweds.
Khalid bin Walid, Dubai
Everyone is accustomed to the fact that everything in Dubai should be the very best. They have the youngest metro, but at the same time it is already in the Guinness Book of Records as the longest. The design of the stations is laconic, super modern, but with elements of history. The authors of the project played on the theme of the 4 elements. And, of course, everything turned out stylishly and expensive.
Khalid bin Walid station is decorated in the style of the sea. Ultraviolet lighting accentuates the blue-blue finish, while stylized clusters of diving pearls stream from the shades. The center of the composition is a crystal chandelier in the shape of a waterfall. True, for most passengers it resembles a jellyfish, but it is still a very beautiful jellyfish.
Candidplatz, Munich
The extraordinary futuristic design of this station seems atypical of German restraint. Rich colors, modern materials and bold lines made her an art object.
The lighting of the underground hall is made in such a way that it shimmers with all colors, like in a fantasy film. "Underground pearl" - this name was given by local passengers of the station for its entertainment. For forgetting about the main function of the metro, feeling yourself in the world of the future.
Atocha, Madrid
It is unusual in that it is both a metro station and a railway station. In general, Atocha is the concentration of almost all types of transport, from metro and electric trains to trains. But the Spaniards went further. They turned a purely utilitarian space, a transport hub into a tropical garden.
Now in an elegant old building with a large glass dome:
- all kinds of palms grow;
- turtles swim in the pond encircling lush vegetation;
- the entrances and halls of the station are decorated with various sculptures;
- cafes and restaurants are located near the winter garden.
In short, a station where you can have a great time.
Royal Gardens, Stockholm
Not everyone will call this station beautiful. Especially after the classics of the Moscow metro. But the singularity and picturesqueness brought it to the world ranking of the most interesting. The Stockholm subway can generally be called an art gallery - its design has been outsourced to local artists.
The author, who decorated the Royal Garden station, drew inspiration from the palaces near the park of the same name in the capital. He introduced antique motifs into the Baroque style. And he added a statue of the god of war in the form of a red-skinned man, apparently for eclecticism.
Ar-e-Mattier, Paris
The name in translation means "art and craft", and the station is named after the museum of the same name, under which it is located. Its interior also corresponds to the name. The decor inspired by the works of Jules Verne is interesting in every detail. Copper wall cladding, portholes, huge decorative screws - all in the spirit of Jules Verne's imaginary worlds.
Toledo, Naples
Metro in Naples is also a kind of gallery of modern art. Famous designers became the designers of several stations at once. The most beautiful was the Toledo platform. The unusual interior creates the illusion of both the sea and the snowy kingdom - thanks to the airy blue and white mosaics and light panels. Panels and columns in the pop art style serve as decoration.
Avtovo, Saint Petersburg
The most beautiful station of the world's deepest subway. The first station of the Leningrad metro. In its hall there are 46 round columns lined with marble and cast glass. Pressed convex glass was used in decoration for the first time. This cladding created the illusion of crystal and immediately became the "highlight" of the subway.
The walls along the path are finished in white marble, and the floor is tiled with red, gray and black polished granite. Ventilation grilles are covered with decorative forging made of metal treated "like gold". Pompous chandeliers complete the ensemble, making the station stunningly beautiful.
Kievskaya, Mayakovskaya, Komsomolskaya and others, Moscow
Of the more than 240 stations of the Moscow metro, 48 are cultural heritage sites, over 40 are architectural monuments. The lobbies of many look like magnificent halls of fairytale palaces. Some are true architectural masterpieces. Some are impressive with their beauty, others with monumentality. Few museums can boast of so many mosaic panels, bronze sculptures, forged jewelry, and unique chandeliers. The Moscow metro has something to be proud of!
When there is little time, and you need to choose which stations are worth seeing first, for a reference point:
- Kievskaya - mosaic panels.
- Mayakovskaya - Stalinist neoclassicism.
- Revolution Square - bronze sculptures.
- Komsomolskaya is a luxurious Empire style.
- Novoslobodskaya - beautiful stained-glass windows.
- Slavyansky Boulevard - graceful forging.
- Victory Park - an interior glorifying the victories in the war of 1812 and the Great Patriotic War.
