"Train stations reflect the collective image of Russia": experts discussed transport architecture at a lecture in the National Centre RUSSIA

The lecture "Transport Architecture of Russia," part of the educational series "Symbols of Time," took place at the National Centre RUSSIA.

The session was moderated by art scholar and architectural historian Yelizaveta Likhacheva. The speakers were architectural historian, guide, head of the educational company "Through the Eyes of an Engineer," and chairperson of the Interregional Union of Guides Airat Bagautdinov, and PhD, independent researcher, curator, author, and publicist Alexander Zmeul.

The event focused on Russia’s transport structures. Throughout the country’s history, train stations, airports, and bridges have become not only functional buildings but also significant architectural landmarks that reflect the spirit of their era.

"Many train stations reflect the collective image of Russia. For example, the railway station in Krasnoufimsk, designed by architect Shchusev, who used easily recognizable images of the Dmitrov Tower of the Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin, the Syuyumbike Tower in Kazan, and the tower of the Novodevichy Monastery in Moscow," noted Alexander Zmeul.

Photo: Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA

Yelizaveta Likhacheva agreed that train stations demonstrate a generalized representation of Russia’s appearance. She cited the Kazansky railway station in Moscow, designed by architect Shchusev, as an example.

The experts concurred that, over time, beginning in the 19th century, train stations became not only architectural structures but also outstanding engineering achievements through which countries competed in technological progress.

The lecture "Transport Architecture of Russia" was the ninth in the educational cycle "Symbols of Time" with Yelizaveta Likhacheva.

Attendance at the educational programme events is free of charge, with prior registration on the National Centre RUSSIA website russia.ru. Current information is available in the "Events" section.

You can learn more about Russian architecture from the educational lecture series by the National Centre RUSSIA with art historian Yelizaveta Likhacheva.