Down By The River: Moscow's Iconic Northern River Terminal
Built in 1937, the Northern River Terminal, or Rechnoy Vokzal, is one of two river transport stations in Moscow. Abandoned in 2010, the terminal and its surrounding park are now under reconstruction to open as a museum and recreation center in 2020.
Here's a look at how this landmark has changed over the decades:
Here's a look at how this landmark has changed over the decades:

The Northern River Station in 1957.
V. Savostyanov, M.Redkin / mos.ru

The terminal stands dusted in snow in this photo from 1959. Because ships could depart for the White, Baltic, Black and Caspian seas, and the Sea of Azov, from here, the terminal is sometimes referred to as the Five Seas' port.
S.Preobrazhensky / mos.ru

The Northern River Station was a hub for long-range and intercity routes during its heyday.
cruiseinform.ru

Even today, the building remains a city landmark.
foto-history.livejournal.com

The port was built as part of the Moscow-Volga canal.
mosprogulka.ru

Elements of the building's design resemble parts of a ship, both inside and out.
mosprogulka.ru

The Northern River Station boasts classic Stalinist architecture.
Denis Voronin / Moskva News Agency

The star that tops the terminal originally sat atop the Kremlin’s Spasskaya Tower.
Denis Voronin / Moskva News Agency

The terminal was closed in 2010 due to disrepair. Now city property, it is currently undergoing construction to be reopened.
Denis Voronin / Moskva News Agency