The Big Shelter: How Kyiv’s Metro Stations Became Essential Bunkers for Millions

The stations themselves, with their distinctive Soviet-era mosaics, marble, and chandeliers, were once celebrated for their grandeur. Now, the aesthetic beauty is merely a backdrop to a more primal human drama. The ornate carvings and gleaming tiles contrast sharply with the rows of sleeping mats and the tired faces of those sheltering, creating a poignant and powerful image of culture enduring amidst crisis. The art of the station remains, but its purpose has been irrevocably altered.