On 6–7 August 2026, Nizhny Novgorod saw the first public presentation of interior design sketches for two metro stations under construction — Sennaya and Freedom Square. The presentation took place during a business breakfast at the House of Architects, where the Deputy Governor of Nizhny Novgorod Region, Sergey Morozov, shared the visualizations.[2]

Design Concept

According to the presented sketches, the station interiors are rendered in grey-beige tones, with walls and ceilings decorated with dynamic geometric patterns featuring integrated lighting. The design incorporates columns and graphic panels. Floral motifs with wheat sheaves surround the "Sennaya" inscription. Sennaya station is planned to become a major transport interchange hub connecting urban transit with the cable car.[2][1][2]

The sketches were reviewed in a closed setting — with representatives of the architectural community and a working group. Following the discussion, the MKU "GUMMiD" announced that the concepts would be revised in light of the feedback received. Artists and the Institute for Urban Development of the Nizhny Novgorod Region (IRGSNO) have been brought in to work on the architectural solutions for the station pavilions, interiors, and surrounding areas. Once full renders are prepared, an open presentation for Mass Media and the expert community is planned.[2]

Background

The debate over the appearance of the new stations has been ongoing for several years, with active discussion already taking place in 2024. At that time, the Chief Architect of Nizhny Novgorod Region, Sergey Popov, advocated for the stations to become "works of architecture" that would evoke positive emotions. Suggestions within the architectural community included decorating Sennaya with a mosaic panel depicting The Ascension Pechersk Monastery for Men or Dmitrievskaya Tower of the Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin; proposals also included creating tactile multi-level gardens at the metro entrances and orienting the design toward a younger audience.[2]

Construction Progress

At the time the sketches were presented, the tunnels between Sennaya and Freedom squares were complete. Tunnel Boring Machine "Evdokia"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" had advanced the first 200 metres from Gorky Street toward Freedom Square; in late July 2026, a Tunnel boring machine «Alyona»»»" — was launched along the same route. Completion of both stations is scheduled for December 2027. According to Sergey Morozov, tunnel excavation is to be fully completed in 2026, after which station construction will begin.[2][1][2]

The sketches were presented as part of a city transport framework presentation, not as a standalone metro event.[2]

Sources

  1. NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" — Nizhny Novgorod residents shown sketches of the future Sennaya and Freedom Square metro stations (archive)
  2. govoritnn.ru — Nizhny Novgorod residents shown the design of the new metro stations — The sketches were presented as part of a city transport framework presentation, not as a standalone metro event. (archive)
  3. GIPERNN — Sketches of new metro stations in Nizhny Novgorod promised to be revised