Moscow Metro Subway Map on Silk

This subway map of the Moscow Metro from 1967 was made on silk by the Moscow Silk Factory. 

The Moscow Metro, which became a point of pride and national identity for Russia, first began operating in 1935, and is known for its unique and grand station designs (Britannica). 

The fact that such a unique style of map was made, most likely not even as a widely-used, practical item, but more as a souvenir/collector's item speaks to the kind of impact the Metro had on society. 

During the 1950s and 60s, around the time when this map was made, the Moscow Metro was developing quite quickly. In 1952, “a metro design office was organized”; in 1954, the Circle Line was fully completed; in 1967, the “metro's power supply system is completely telemechanized” (Metro.ru). 

Countless new technologies were being implemented in all areas of the Metro, from station escalators, to radio train communication,  to automatic checkpoints (Metro.ru). 

All of these design elements contributed to the efficiency and refinement of this extensive project that had an incredible impact on society and daily life. 

Please explore this website for more info, maps, and other printed matter related to the Moscow Metro: https://www.metro.ru/