The main building of Moscow State University on Vorobyovy Gory
Stalin’s skyscraper, in which the main building of Moscow State University is located, was considered the tallest building in Moscow until 2006. Its height together with the spire is 240 meters.
The construction of a multi-storey building began in April 1949 under the direction of architect Rudnev. However, few people know the fact that initially another Soviet architect, Iofan, was to oversee the construction.
It was he, on Stalin’s recommendation, who developed a plan for the construction of the Moscow State University building, according to which the high-rise was supposed to stand directly above the cliff of the Vorobyovy (at that time Lenin’s) mountains.
However, scientists did not approve of this decision – after all, due to possible landslides, the house could simply be in the river. The general secretary was able to change his mind, but Iofan was not. Therefore, a few days before the start of construction, project management was entrusted to Rudnev
This Stalinist skyscraper at all times served as the source of numerous rumors and legends.
Tales and legends of the building of Moscow State University
The basements of the building are especially “loved” by Muscovites. They say that a statue of Stalin General Secretary, which should have been installed in front of the central entrance, is immured here.
There are also rumors that there was a secret zone of the Chekists in the basements and that underground highways and a special metro line were connected to them.
Another version is that the main building of Moscow State University stands on giant freezers that hold back the destruction of shaky soil, and when the power supply to them stops, the house will slide into the river.
But the basement under the assembly hall was classified much later – in 1985, when the “dry law” reigned in the country. A banquet hall for guests of honor was equipped here with “dry” celebrations.
Another legend is that the spire of the building is covered with gilding. In fact, it is just tinted yellow tough glass with an aluminum backing.
But the fact that the facade of the building houses the largest clock in Moscow and the world’s largest thermometer is no longer a legend, but a reliable fact
Several years ago, the dilapidated Stalinist skyscraper underwent major restoration and by the fall of 2000 Muscovites and guests of the capital could admire the renovated and refreshed building of the main building of the Moscow State University from the observation deck on Vorobyovy Gory.
The main building of Moscow State University is located at the address: Moscow, Leninskie Gory, 1 (University metro station).
