Moscow State University is the oldest Russian university, founded in 1755. The creation of this educational institution was once initiated by M. Lomonosov and the favorite of Catherine II, Count Shuvalov, who patronized the development of Russian science at that time.
Today, Moscow State University includes 40 faculties and about 350 departments. More than 50 thousand people study at this university, which is also one of the most frequently visited sights of the capital.
History of the educational institution
Initially, the opening of the Moscow University was planned for 1754. But the preparatory measures due to the need to restore the building chosen for the new educational institution were somewhat delayed.
The decree on the founding of the university by Catherine II was signed on January 25 (February 4), 1755. The empress approved the project of this institution a little earlier - on January 12 (25) of the same year, on the day of St. Tatiana.
The students attended the first lectures at the new university on April 26, 1755. At the same time, Count I. I. Shuvalov. The first director of Moscow State University was A. M. Argamakov. Initially, the university was located on Red Square in the building of the Main Pharmacy. In 1793 he was moved to a house located at the corner of Bolshaya Mokokhovaya and Nikitskaya streets. In 1836, a new university building was built next to the old one.
Today the skyscraper of Moscow State University is located on Vorobyovy Gory. This building was constructed according to the project of the architect L. Rudnev in 1950. I. Stalin personally accepted the project of the high-rise.
Short description
Today MSU is a real city within a city with a constantly renewing "population". The university building was built on a powerful foundation at a safe distance from the Moskva River. During the construction of this high-rise, for the first time, vertical cross columns, distinguished by their special strength, were used, as well as horizontal beams-slats.
The main 34-storey building of the university is crowned with a 57 m high spire. Initially, it was planned to erect a monument to Lomonosov on the high-rise of Moscow State University. However, later it was decided to place this sculpture in front of the university. The facades of the main building of Moscow State University are decorated, among other things, with sculptures by V. I. Mukhina.
Elements of the architectural complex of the university are, for example:
- Alley of Scientists with a swimming pool, fountains and busts of famous scientists;
- several university parks and squares.
There is also an observation deck next to Moscow State University, from which, in good weather, amazing views of Moscow open up.
Tours
Of course, you can come to Vorobyovy Gory on your own to see the architectural complex of Moscow State University. But it will certainly be much more interesting to buy an excursion here with a professional guide. In this case, it will be possible to learn a lot about one of the most grandiose buildings in Moscow.
Basically, only group excursions for schoolchildren or adults are held on the territory of Moscow State University. If desired, Muscovites and guests of the capital can buy, for example, such thematic excursions as "Stalin's Skyscraper" or "A Day at Moscow State University", visit a botanical garden or a museum of land tenure on the territory of the university.
Where is it and how to get there
Moscow State University is located at the highest point in Moscow - on the Sparrow Hills. The exact address of the university is as follows: Leninskie Gory, 1. To get to Moscow State University, if you wish, the easiest way is, of course, by metro. You need to go to the station. "University" of the red Sokolnicheskaya line. In this case, of course, it is best to navigate by looking at the map of the Moscow Metro.
Coming out of the metro, you will need to walk about 1.5 km more on foot, in the direction of the Moscow State University high-rise, or drive a few stops by minibus (for example, 1, 119, 103). Traveling by bus may be more convenient for some tourists. However, many guests of Moscow and residents of the capital believe that walking to Moscow State University from the metro can still be faster than by public transport.
