Rare Old Tourist Map of Moscow by Getmanski, 1955: Kremlin, Red Square, Bolshoi Theatre, St. Basil's, Lenin's Mausoleum

The "Pictographic Map of Moscow," created by Mikhail Getmanski and published by Editions Vnechtorgisdat in the mid-1950s, is a captivating window into the heart of the Soviet Union during the Cold War. This meticulously detailed map showcases the Soviet capital's main sites, with the Kremlin at its center. Interestingly, while the Kremlin's walls are outlined, the buildings within are omitted, reflecting the era's heightened security and secrecy. This map, printed in English, was designed for the curious Western tourists and foreign diplomats who ventured into Moscow, offering them a rare glimpse into this enigmatic city.

Moscow, as depicted in this map, is a city of grand avenues and historic squares. The map highlights significant neighborhoods and landmarks, such as Red Square, Lenin's Mausoleum, and the iconic St. Basil's Cathedral, each rendered in charming pictographic detail. The Bolshoi Theatre, another notable landmark, stands as a testament to Moscow's rich cultural heritage. The map's inclusion of these sites underscores the city's importance as a political, cultural, and historical epicenter.

The map also provides a fascinating overview of Moscow's extensive transportation network, with key train stations and major thoroughfares like Gorky Street and Tverskaya Street clearly marked. These roads and squares not only facilitate movement within the city but also connect the various neighborhoods, each with its unique character and history. The depiction of Komsomolskaya Square and Lubyanka Square, for instance, offers insight into the city's urban layout and its role in the daily lives of Muscovites.

Green spaces and parks are also prominently featured, adding a layer of depth to the city's landscape. These areas provide a stark contrast to the bustling urban environment, offering residents and visitors alike a place for relaxation and recreation. The presence of the Moscow River, winding through the city, further enhances the map's visual appeal and historical significance, highlighting the river's role in shaping Moscow's development over the centuries.

Mikhail Getmanski's design and the careful execution by Editions Vnechtorgisdat make this map not only a practical guide but also a work of art. The map's pictographic style, combined with its detailed key identifying numerous theaters, museums, monuments, and hotels, provides a comprehensive snapshot of Moscow during a pivotal period in history. This map is more than just a navigational tool; it is a testament to the city's enduring allure and the complexities of its past, making it a prized addition to any collection of historical maps.

Streets and roads on this map

• Arbat Square
• Bolshaya Dmitrovka
• Bolshaya Lubyanka
• Bolshaya Polyanka
• Bolshaya Sadovaya
• Bolshaya Yakimanka
• Gorky Street
• Ilinka
• Kalinin Prospekt
• Kamergersky Pereulok
• Kirov Street
• Komsomolskaya Square
• Kuznetsky Most
• Kutuzovsky Prospekt
• Leningradsky Prospekt
• Lubyanka Square
• Malaya Dmitrovka
• Malaya Lubyanka
• Malaya Polyanka
• Malaya Sadovaya
• Manezhnaya Square
• Mokhovaya
• Novy Arbat
• Okhotny Ryad
• Petrovka
• Pushechnaya
• Sverdlov Square
• Tverskaya Street
• Tverskaya-Yamskaya
• Vorovsky Street

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Red Square
• Lenin's Mausoleum
• Hotel Metropole
• Bolshoi Theatre
• St. Basil's Cathedral
• Kremlin (walls outlined)
• Moscow River
• Decorative compass rose in the lower left corner
• Key in the lower right identifying various sites, theaters, museums, monuments, train stations, hotels, and the "Intotourist" travel center
• Several green areas and parks

Historical and design context

• An attractive and engaging 1950s pictographic map of Moscow, showing the Soviet capital's main sites during the height of the Cold War.
• Provides a rare English-language pictographic map of Moscow, then the capital of the Soviet Union, and one of the intriguing enigmas to Westerners.
• The map features the center of the city, with the Kremlin at the middle. Curiously, while the walls of the Kremlin are outlined, no details with respect to the buildings inside are included.
• The Kremlin was the epicenter of the Soviet government, and no foreigners were allowed to visit the complex, so details were removed to avoid encouraging any 'undue curiosity'.
• Key illustrated sites include Red Square, Lenin's Mausoleum, the Hotel Metropole, the Bolshoi Theatre, St. Basil's Cathedral, amongst many others.
• A key in the lower right identifies 19 general sites, 38 theaters, 18 museums, 11 monuments, 8 train stations, 4 hotels, and the "Intotourist" travel center.
• Printed during the height of the Cold War, when tensions between the West and the USSR were high.
• Following the death of Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin in 1953, the political climate within the Soviet Union eased somewhat under Nikita Krushchev.
• Westerners were able to visit Moscow as tourists, although their movements were carefully guided and supervised by Soviet agents.
• The map was printed for curious Western tourists and members of the foreign diplomatic corps in Moscow.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 16in (40cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

The model in the listing images is holding the 24x36in (60x90cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.