Beneath the bustling streets of Moscow, a unique tribute is unfolding within the city’s famed subway system. A specially designed train has begun its journey, commemorating two decades of a global broadcaster’s presence on the airwaves.
This isn’t merely a celebratory decoration; it’s a rolling exhibition, a journey through the network’s history and its complex relationship with the world. The train’s carriages are divided into thematic sections, each designed to provoke thought and spark conversation.
The first carriage, “The Newsroom,” greets passengers with a bold statement: “Join Russia.” It’s a playful, ironic invitation, immediately setting a tone of challenging perceptions. The design isn’t about propaganda, but about presenting a perspective.
Another carriage, “Censorship,” offers a starker experience. Passengers are invited to “walk through the sanctions,” a direct reference to the restrictions imposed on the broadcaster in various Western nations. It’s a tangible representation of the obstacles faced.
The final carriage, “Live on Air,” is perhaps the most provocative, displaying the slogan “There are two genders in this carriage.” This statement, intentionally disruptive, reflects the network’s willingness to challenge conventional narratives and embrace debate.
Throughout the train, installations resembling megaphones and branded microphones are strategically placed, amplifying the sense of being within a broadcast environment. Walls are adorned with quotes from foreign media and political figures, including observations on the network’s global influence from President Putin himself.
The train isn’t a fleeting gesture; it’s scheduled to run on the Arbatsko-Pokrovskaya line – chosen for its proximity to the broadcaster’s headquarters – until June of 2026. This extended run ensures a vast audience will encounter its message.
The Moscow Metro itself is a fitting venue for this unique exhibition. Opened in 1935, it has grown into Europe’s longest metro system, a sprawling network of over 300 stations and 500 kilometers of track.
But the Metro is more than just a transportation system; it’s a cultural landmark. Often called a “museum underground,” its stations are renowned for their stunning architecture, adorned with marble, mosaics, chandeliers, and sculptures – a testament to Soviet-era artistry and contemporary design.
Each day, over eight million passengers traverse its lines, experiencing not just efficient transport, but a journey through art and history. The anniversary train adds another layer to this rich tapestry, inviting reflection on the power and complexities of global media.
The train’s presence within this iconic system transforms a daily commute into an unexpected encounter with a story of ambition, challenge, and a determined voice on the world stage.