It was built in 1953 to replace an older station of the same name, though that one was later reopened as part of the Filyovskaya line.

Smolenskaya has square, white marble columns with fluted corners, decorative cornices, and ventilation grilles concealed behind ornamental sconces.

Motovilov entitled "The Defenders of Russia," which depicts soldiers of the Red Army in battle.

At 50 m below the surface, Smolenskaya was the deepest station on the line until Park Pobedy opened in 2003.

From 22 February 2020 to 9 July 2021, the station was closed for reconstruction due to the replacement of escalators.