Ploshchad Revolyutsii Metro Station is one of the most visited stations of the Moscow Metro, opened in 1938 under Revolution Square, a few minutes from Red Square. Ploshchad Revolyutsii Metro Station statues, 76 bronze figures by Matvey Manizer, stand in the arches between the platforms and the central hall.
The figures show soldiers, farmers, workers, athletes and schoolchildren, and passengers rub the nose of the border guard’s dog for luck. This guide explains what to look for, how the station connects to its neighbors and how the fares work.
Quick Facts
| Russian name | Площадь Революции |
|---|---|
| Built / opened | 1938 |
| Architect(s) | Alexey Dushkin (sculptures by Matvey Manizer) |
| Address | Revolution Square, Moscow, Russia OpenStreetMap · Google Maps |
| District | Tverskoy |
| Interchanges | Ploshchad Revolyutsii (Line 3 (Arbatsko-Pokrovskaya, dark blue), the station itself, under Revolution Square) Teatralnaya (Line 2 (Zamoskvoretskaya, green), transfer from Ploshchad Revolyutsii) Okhotny Ryad (Line 1 (Sokolnicheskaya, red), reached only through Teatralnaya; there is no direct transfer) |
| Opening hours | The Moscow Metro normally runs from early morning until around 1:00 at night, and the station is open to passengers during those hours.
Exact first and last train times were not confirmed, so check the Metro's official information (as of October 2026 – check the official site, mosmetro.ru). |
| Best time to visit | Mid-morning on weekdays and late evening are calmer, when the arches are easier to see. The morning and evening rush hours and the afternoons at weekends are the busiest times, when the platform is crowded and the dog's nose has a line.
The station works in every season, so it is a good stop on a cold or wet day. |
| Last updated | October 6, 2026 |
Why Visit Ploshchad Revolyutsii Metro Station?
The station is an open gallery of Soviet sculpture. Seventy-six bronze figures, in about 20 designs, stand at the base of 20 marble-faced arches, and each shows a type of person from the Soviet Union, from soldiers and farmers to a student reading and a poultry keeper holding a chicken.
The best-known figure is the border guard with a dog, whose nose is polished by thousands of passengers who rub it for luck or before exams.
The station is also a convenient stop. It lies under Revolution Square, a few minutes’ walk from Red Square, the Bolshoi Theatre and the Kremlin, and it connects with Teatralnaya, so it fits into any day in the center.
How Ploshchad Revolyutsii Metro Station Is Laid Out
The station is a pylon station with a central atrium and two platforms, one on each side, linked by 20 arches.
Each arch is faced with marble and has bronze sculptures at its base. The arches run along the length of the platforms, which are about 155 meters long, and lead to the central atrium and the escalators. The pylons are faced with black Armenian marble, and the platform walls with gray marble from the Chelyabinsk region.
A transfer links the station to Teatralnaya, and through it to Okhotny Ryad, with exits on Revolution Square. Walk the length of the hall once in each direction, since the statues face both ways.
Highlights of Ploshchad Revolyutsii Metro Station
The 76 bronze sculptures
Matvey Manizer designed the bronze figures, which were cast by the Leningrad Artistic Casting Workshop. There were 80 at first and 76 remain, in about 20 different designs.
They show people of the Soviet Union: soldiers, farmers, athletes, writers, aviators, industrial workers and schoolchildren.
Tip: Walk the length of the platform and stop at each arch; the figures are different in each one.
The border guard and his dog
The best-known sculpture is a border guard with a dog. Passengers rub the dog's nose for good luck, or to pass exams, which is why the nose is polished and bright.
Thousands of people touch it every day.
Tip: Look for the bright nose, then join the line if there is one; it is quick.
The student and the poultry keeper
Among the figures are a female student studying a book and a poultry keeper holding a chicken and a rooster.
They show the range of everyday roles in the Soviet scenes, from farm work to education.
Tip: Look low in the arches; the figures crouch or kneel and are easy to miss at eye level.
The marble arches and pylons
The 20 arches are faced with yellow, brown and black marble, with pylons faced with black Armenian marble. The platform walls are covered with gray marble from the Chelyabinsk region.
The warm stone and the dark bronze contrast with each other.
Tip: Stand in the central atrium to see the rows of arches in a line.
The station's architecture
Alexey Dushkin designed the station, which opened on 13 March 1938. The platforms are about 155 meters long.
The arches link them to a central atrium and the escalators, and the design is one of the best-known examples of the Metro's 1930s style.
Tip: Look at the proportions of the arches and pylons rather than only the statues.
The location under Revolution Square
The station lies under Revolution Square, which was called Resurrection Square until 1918. Red Square, the Bolshoi Theatre and Hotel Moskva are close.
Teatralnaya and Okhotny Ryad also have exits on the square.
Tip: Use the station as a starting point for Red Square, which is a short walk away.
Atmosphere
The hall is dim and warm, with dark bronze figures crouched in marble arches and the polished surface of the nose of the dog catching the light. Passengers walk quickly between trains, and many stop to touch a statue as they pass.
The sound is a constant flow of footsteps, announcements and the rumble of trains. Tourists with cameras stand in the central atrium, and students line up for the dog before exams.
It is one of the busiest stations in the center, with crowds at rush hours and on weekends. Late evening and mid-morning are calmer, and the statues are easier to see.
History of Ploshchad Revolyutsii Metro Station
The station lies under Revolution Square, which was called Resurrection Square until 1918. It opened on 13 March 1938 as part of the second stage of the Moscow Metro, on the Arbatsko-Pokrovskaya Line, and was designed by the architect Alexey Dushkin.
Dushkin planned an airy station with stained glass and light-colored decoration, but the sculptor Matvey Manizer, who had political backing, preferred classical, larger-than-life bronze sculptures, crouched between arches and the plinth. The final design combined the architect’s pylons and arches with Manizer’s figures.
The sculptures were cast by the Leningrad Artistic Casting Workshop under Manizer’s direction. There were 80 at first, and today 76 remain, in about 20 different designs, standing at the base of 20 marble-faced arches that link the platforms to the central atrium.
They show people of the Soviet Union, including soldiers, farmers, workers, athletes, writers, aviators and schoolchildren. A tale holds that Stalin liked the sculptures for looking realistic, though this is not confirmed.
A tradition grew up among Muscovites of rubbing the nose of the dog of the border guard for good luck, and students rub it before exams. Other statues are also rubbed, such as those of the rooster and the student.
The station is a major transport hub in the center of the city. It connects with Teatralnaya on the Zamoskvoretskaya Line, and through it with Okhotny Ryad on the Sokolnicheskaya Line, but there is no direct transfer between Ploshchad Revolyutsii and Okhotny Ryad.
Today the station is one of the best-known and most visited in the Metro, a short walk from Red Square and the Bolshoi Theatre.
Legends and Myths about Ploshchad Revolyutsii Metro Station
Stalin liked the statues
Legend – historically unreliable. A popular story says that Stalin particularly liked Manizer's sculptures because they looked very realistic.
The tale is repeated by travel sites but no source confirms it, so it is treated as a legend.
Tickets and Booking for Ploshchad Revolyutsii Metro Station
There is no ticket for the station itself; entering needs a Metro fare. Reports on 2026 fares differ: a budget-level fare (₽) for a single ride with a Troika card, a slightly higher budget fare (₽) by contactless bank card and a higher budget fare (₽) for a 90-minute fare, while some sources still give lower budget fares (₽). Check the current fare on the official Moscow Metro site, mosmetro.ru.
- Troika card: a reusable card sold at ticket windows and top-up machines in station halls and through the official Metro app; the deposit is reported to be small (₽), so check the price.
- Foreign cards: reports conflict on whether foreign Visa or Mastercard cards and phone payments work at the turnstiles, so carry rubles in cash and buy a ticket or card at a ticket window.
- Rush hours: the station is busiest in the morning and evening on weekdays, and in the afternoon at weekends.
Rates for Russian citizens and concessions differ. All fares and payment methods are listed on the official site, mosmetro.ru.
Plan and Book
How to Get to Ploshchad Revolyutsii Metro Station
Ploshchad Revolyutsii station is in the center of Moscow, under Revolution Square, next to Red Square.
- Metro: Ploshchad Revolyutsii (Line 3, Arbatsko-Pokrovskaya, dark blue), between Arbatskaya and Kurskaya.
- Transfers: Teatralnaya (Line 2, Zamoskvoretskaya, green) is linked directly; Okhotny Ryad (Line 1, Sokolnicheskaya, red) can be reached only through Teatralnaya.
- On foot: the exits open onto Revolution Square, with Red Square a few minutes’ walk away, and the Bolshoi Theatre and Hotel Moskva close by.
A taxi can drop you near Revolution Square, though traffic around the Kremlin is heavy.
Accessibility
Accessibility details were not confirmed. The station is deep and is reached by escalators, and lift availability and step-free access were not verified. Contact the Metro or check mosmetro.ru before traveling if you need step-free access or assistance.
Food Nearby
Revolution Square and the streets around Red Square have many cafes and restaurants, and GUM and the Okhotny Ryad mall have food courts. Specific venues were not verified, so check opening hours before you go.
What to Bring
Bring a camera and some rubles in cash for a ticket or a Troika card. A free hand helps if you want to rub the dog's nose.
Best Views and Photo Spots of Ploshchad Revolyutsii Metro Station
Central atrium looking along the arches
The rows of marble arches with bronze figures at their base, receding along the hall.
Best time: Late evening or mid-morning, when the hall is quieter
Border guard with the dog
The bright, polished nose of the dog among the dark bronze, with the border guard beside it.
Best time: Between waves of passengers
Student and rooster figures
Smaller figures such as the reading student and the poultry keeper, in close detail.
Best time: Weekday afternoons
Platform view through an arch
A train waiting at the platform, framed by an arch and a bronze figure, from a safe distance behind the line.
Best time: Late evening
Photography Rules
Photography rules in the station were not confirmed. Taking photographs of the statues is common, but tripods and flash can be restricted, and the station is busy, so stand clear of the platform edge and the flow of passengers. Drone rules in Moscow are strict and change.
Family Suitability
The station is a short stop that suits families, and children enjoy finding the dog and the other figures. It is very busy, so keep children close and away from the platform edge. Strollers need the escalator or a lift, and lift access was not confirmed.
Moscow Vibes Tips
- Look low as well as up; the figures crouch or kneel at the base of the arches.
- Look for the polished spots on the statues; the shiny ones are the lucky ones, and the dog's nose is the brightest.
- Remember that Okhotny Ryad is reached through Teatralnaya, since there is no direct transfer.
- Walk the length of the hall in each direction, since the figures face both platforms.
- Visit in the late evening if you want the arches to yourself.
- Combine the stop with Red Square, which is a few minutes' walk from the exit.
Explore Nearby Ploshchad Revolyutsii Metro Station
Sights near Ploshchad Revolyutsii Metro Station
Red Square Moscow – about 300 m away (~5 min walk) · typical visit: 1–2 hours for the square, 3–5 hours with St Basil's and one museum
State Historical Museum Moscowabout 300 m away (~5 min walk) · typical visit: 2.5–4 hours
Bolshoi Theatre Moscow – about 450 m away (~7 min walk) · typical visit: 3–4 hours for a performance; about 1 hour for a guided tour
GUM Moscowabout 200 m away (~3 min walk) · typical visit: 1–2 hours
Moscow Kremlin – about 550 m away (~9 min walk) · typical visit: 3–5 hours for Cathedral Square plus the Armoury Chamber
Moscow Metro · typical visit: 1.5–3 hours for a tour of showcase stations
Metro stations near Ploshchad Revolyutsii Metro Station
Teatralnaya Metro Stationabout 350 m away (~6 min walk)
Okhotny Ryad Metro Stationabout 350 m away (~6 min walk)
Lubyanka Metro Stationabout 500 m away (~8 min walk)
Restaurants and cafes near Ploshchad Revolyutsii Metro Station
Varenichnaya No. 1about 50 m away (~1 min walk)
SAVVAabout 200 m away (~3 min walk)
Metropol Restaurantabout 200 m away (~3 min walk)
Stolovaya 57about 200 m away (~3 min walk)
Hotels near Ploshchad Revolyutsii Metro Station
Hotel Metropol Moscowabout 200 m away (~3 min walk)
Four Seasons Hotel Moscowabout 300 m away (~5 min walk)
The St. Regis Moscow Nikolskayaabout 350 m away (~6 min walk)
Events and traditions near Ploshchad Revolyutsii Metro Station
Spasskaya Tower Military Music Festivalabout 300 m away (~5 min walk)
National Unity Day in Moscowabout 300 m away (~5 min walk)
Related guides
Shokoladnitsa: Moscow Coffee Shop Chain Since 1964, Open Late
Tehnikum: White Rabbit Family’s Casual Bistro Near the Bolshoi
Beluga: Caviar Bar and Modern Russian Cuisine in Moscow
Grand Cafe Dr. Zhivago: 24-Hour Russian Dining by the Kremlin
How to see the most beautiful Moscow Metro stations in one route: Tips
Browse more: More in Tverskoy · All Metro Stations
FAQ: Ploshchad Revolyutsii Metro Station
How many statues are there?
76 bronze sculptures by Matvey Manizer, in about 20 different designs. There were 80 at first.
Why do people rub the dog's nose?
A tradition says it brings good luck, and students rub it before exams. That is why the nose is polished.
Who designed the station?
Alexey Dushkin designed it, and it opened on 13 March 1938.
Which line is it on?
Line 3, the Arbatsko-Pokrovskaya Line, in dark blue, between Arbatskaya and Kurskaya.
Can I transfer to Okhotny Ryad?
Not directly. You reach it through Teatralnaya, to which the station is linked.
Do I need a ticket to see the statues?
Yes, a Metro fare is needed to enter. See the fares and payment section.
How close is Red Square?
A few minutes' walk from the exits on Revolution Square.
How long do I need?
About 10 to 15 minutes to walk the hall and look at the statues.
Discover More of Moscow with Our Travel Tips
Get practical Moscow travel tips, new destination guides and useful updates on attractions, opening hours and prices. Plan your visit with clear, helpful information delivered to your inbox.
Moscow Vibes is a one-person project. A coffee keeps it going
Last updated: October 6, 2026. Found an error or something out of date? Report it and we will check and fix it.
How we research and update our guides
About this guide: AI assistance and accuracy
This guide is created with the help of AI and is based on official sources where available. Mistakes can still happen. Opening hours, prices, rules and other details are given to the best of our knowledge as of the date shown and can change without notice. It offers general recommendations only, not professional, legal or travel advice. Please confirm important details with the official source before you travel; you are responsible for your own plans and decisions.
International sanctions affect payments between Russia and many other countries. In practice, cards issued in the EU, the UK, the US and several other countries often do not work in Russia, Russian cards usually do not work abroad, and some booking platforms, airlines and payment providers limit or suspend their services for Russia. The situation changes frequently. We do not give legal or financial advice, and this site does not encourage anyone to break or circumvent sanctions. Whatever you plan, you are responsible for following the laws and regulations that apply to you, including those of your country of residence and citizenship. Many travelers still organise their stay lawfully. It is worth asking your bank or payment provider what is currently permitted, contacting hotels, tour operators and carriers directly about the payment methods they accept, and checking which services are open to customers from your country. Clarify payment, cancellation and refund terms before you commit to a booking, and keep your plans flexible. Partner links on this site may not be available in every country, and prices, availability and rules in our guides can differ from what you see when you book.Paying for your trip: please read
Report an issue on this page
* Affiliate link: as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Ask Masha