Dating Back to 1935, The Moscow and St. Petersburg Metro was one of the USSR’s most extravagant architectural projects. Under Stalin's direction, the Architects were directed to introduce the concept of "svet" or light and "sveltloe budushchee"or a bright future. With their polished marble walls, high vaulted ceilings and ornate chandeliers, the Metro stations have been likened to an “artificial underground sun”.This underground paradise was to reminded its riders that Stalin and his party had delivered something substantial to the people in return for their sacrifices.