The Atlas Sovieticus is a project born out of a deep fascination with the remnants of socialist-era art and architecture. Through photography and exploration, I document the fading mosaics, monumental sculptures, and striking buildings that once defined the public spaces of the former USSR and Eastern Bloc.

Hi! I’m Ruben Dhaenens, photographer and writer of The Atlas Sovieticus.

Armed with only a camera and a passion for history, I travel across post-Soviet countries to capture these artistic relics before they disappear. Each mosaic tells a story – of ambition, ideology, and craftsmanship – that deserves to be preserved and shared.

This website is my way of bringing these works of art to a wider audience. Here, you’ll find detailed articles, original photography, and historical insights into the world of Soviet monumental art. Whether you’re a historian, an artist, or simply curious about this unique aesthetic, I hope Atlas Sovieticus inspires you to see these mosaics in a new light.

Mission and vision

If you’d like to collaborate, contribute, or just share your thoughts, feel free to reach out through the Contact page.