Museum
«Lights of Moscow»
During the Great Patriotic War, the employees of the Moscow City Council were placed under martial law. On the basis of the outdoor lighting department, the 2nd company of the MPVO emergency recovery battalion was formed. This department was engaged in the operational repair of damaged power lines, ensuring blackout of the city and restoration of lighting after bombing. In addition to their main duties, the employees of the Moscow City Council also participated in the construction of defensive structures, harvesting firewood, and delivering food. In the first weeks of the war, due to mobilization, the number of employees at Mosenergo was almost halved. The shortage of personnel was compensated for by cancelling weekends and vacations, and men were replaced with women in production. Evidence of these war years can be found in the Museum «Lights of Moscow», located in 3-5, Armyansky Lane. There, authentic lanterns and lamps from that period are on display. And not only that, the museum’s exhibition presents an extensive collection of lighting fixtures from different eras. From traditional beams and chandeliers to modern fixtures, visitors can see a variety of streetlights and hand-held lanterns, as well as different types of lamps. There is also equipment for controlling urban lighting, which is of particular interest. Historical photographs depicting Moscow at different times are also on display. A separate room in the museum is dedicated to the exhibition of electric clocks. The museum’s collection includes unique materials such as archival documents on lighting and electrical equipment history, technical drawings of lighting devices, and visual materials reflecting the development of the city’s economy.
Address: Moscow, Armyansky Lane, 3-5,building 1
