A combinatorial model for the Menger curve

We represent the universal Menger curve as the topological realization [Formula: see text] of the projective Fraïssé limit [Formula: see text] of the class of all finite connected graphs. We show that [Formula: see text] satisfies combinatorial analogues of the Mayer–Oversteegen–Tymchatyn homogeneity theorem and the Anderson–Wilson projective universality theorem. Our arguments involve only [Formula: see text]-dimensional topology and constructions on finite graphs. Using the topological realization [Formula: see text], we transfer some of these properties to the Menger curve: we prove the approximate projective homogeneity theorem, recover Anderson’s finite homogeneity theorem, and prove a variant of Anderson–Wilson’s theorem. The finite homogeneity theorem is the first instance of an “injective” homogeneity theorem being proved using the projective Fraïssé method. We indicate how our approach to the Menger curve may extend to higher dimensions.