Despite the fact that Novosibirsk was founded less than 150 years ago, it is the third city in Russia in terms of population and has a rich history. In Novosibirsk, there are many monuments dedicated to events and people who played an important role in the history of the city. Most of the monuments date back to the Soviet period, so the themes of labor, patriotism and heroic defense of the Motherland are traced in them.
The lives of many prominent personalities are associated with the city, which is also reflected in its memorials. Novosibirsk is one of the centers for the development of modern trends in sculpture. Many new monuments are being erected in the city, which become an integral part of street landscapes. They harmoniously complement the city architecture and make Novosibirsk a unique city.
Historical and modern monuments of Novosibirsk
List of the most famous monuments and sculptures of the city.
Glory Monument
The monument is dedicated to the exploits of the inhabitants of Novosibirsk during the Second World War. The area of the memorial complex is about 2 hectares. In 1967, a monument to a mother grieving for her son, an eternal flame and pylons with images of the stages of the Great Patriotic War were erected here. Later, the alley of the Heroes of the Soviet Union was planted and the Chapel of St. George the Victorious and commemorative steles were erected. The complex also houses a museum of military equipment.
Monument to Alexander III
The monument was installed in 2012. The bronze figure of the emperor, 5 meters high, is located on an 8-meter pedestal made of red granite. In the lower part of the pedestal, under the Russian coat of arms, is an excerpt from the emperor's order to start the construction of the Trans-Siberian Railway. It was the railway that gave impetus to the development of the city and allowed it to become a major regional center.
Monument to V.S.Vysotsky
The bronze figure of the famous poet is installed on a pedestal next to the Globus Theater. The shape of the pedestal resembles a blade, and in the lower part of it there is an engraved inscription: "Poets walk with their heels on the blade of a knife - they cut their bare souls into blood." An alley dedicated to Russian and Soviet bards is laid out nearby. There are 10 commemorative plaques with the names of famous performers in the park.
Monument to Nicholas II
One of the youngest monuments in Novosibirsk was installed in 2017. He caused a lot of controversy among the residents of the city. Many of the townspeople considered that the emperor and his decisions were not useful for Novosibirsk and its inhabitants. Therefore, the monument was vandalized several times. The bronze figure of the emperor with his son is at the entrance to the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
"The DNA-binding mouse"
The sculpture was installed in 2012, in the Academgorodok of Novosibirsk, next to the Institute of Cytology and Genetics. The total height of the monument is 2.5 meters. The figure of a mouse with glasses tying a DNA helix is installed on a stone pedestal. The monument is dedicated to laboratory mice used in scientific research. Thanks to them, many significant discoveries were made.
Monument to M.I.Glinka
The monument dedicated to Mikhail Ivanovich Glinka, next to the conservatory named after the great composer, was installed in 1998 and was reconstructed in 2007, in honor of the anniversary of the conservatory. Next to the bronze figure of Glinka are sculptures of the heroes of his operas: "Ruslan and Lyudmila" and "A Life for the Tsar". The composer is depicted sitting on a bench and looking into the distance.
Monument to V. Lenin
The monument to Vladimir Lenin is located on the main square of Novosibirsk, next to the Opera and Ballet Theater. The total height of the monument is 6.5 meters. The bronze sculpture depicts Lenin in a coat fluttering in the wind. Nearby are the figures of a worker, a peasant and a soldier, as symbols of the main revolutionary forces, as well as sculptures of a girl and a boy with ears of corn and a torch. They, in turn, show the continuity of generations.
Monument to A. Pokryshkin
Three times Hero of the Soviet Union and air ace of the Great Patriotic War, Alexander Pokryshkin, was born in Novosibirsk in 1913. The bronze figure of a pilot, 6 meters high, is installed on a stone pedestal in Karl Marx Square. The sculpture depicts Pokryshkin with an eagle sitting at his feet. The monument was erected in 2005 in honor of the 60th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War.
Stele to the labor feat of Leningraders evacuated to Novosibirsk in 1941-1943.
One of the monuments dedicated to the 60th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War is dedicated to the residents of Leningrad, evacuated from their hometown. Due to its location far from the front line, Novosibirsk has become a temporary place of residence for millions of people. A 9-meter granite stele is dedicated to their work for the good of the country. In its lower part there is an inscription carved: "The days of siege will never be forgotten."
"Railroad bridge"
During the construction of the Trans-Siberian Railway, the first railway bridge across the Ob River was erected in Novosibirsk. One of its spans was erected as a monument after the construction of a new bridge. The Trans-Siberian Railway contributed to the rapid development of the economy of Novosibirsk, and also allowed it to become one of the largest cities in Russia in terms of population.
Monument to Mothers and Wives of the Defenders of the Fatherland
During the Great Patriotic War, thousands of civilians were evacuated to Novosibirsk. Among them were many wives and mothers of soldiers who went to the front. They worked at Novosibirsk enterprises and took care of families. It is their feat that the monument is dedicated to. Bronze sculptures depict a woman sitting on a chair next to a carriage and waiting for a soldier from the front, and her son is standing nearby.
"Buyer and Seller"
The monument was erected in the Novosibirsk market. The composition depicts the seller - a plump woman selling seeds and flowers. A customer comes up to her, a man wearing glasses, carrying large bags. Both are bargaining for a price. Meanwhile, the street dog, taking advantage of the opportunity, pulls sausages out of the man's bag. The monument was opened in 2011 and is one of the youngest in the city.
"Businesswoman"
The monument is located in a small park, next to the building of one of the advertising companies in Novosibirsk, specializing in printing. The Graf company installed the bronze sculpture in 2005. It depicts a woman dressed in a business style, with one hand resting on a table and holding a briefcase in the other. Residents of Novosibirsk also call the sculpture “a monument to a teacher” or “a monument to a career woman”.
Monument to Richard Sorge
The memorial dedicated to Richard Sorge was erected on the street named after the famous intelligence officer. It was Sorge who was able to find out the date of the German attack on the Soviet Union, allowing the Soviet command to prepare for the invasion. The gray slabs of the monument diverge from the image of Richard Sorge. One of them has a memorial plaque with the years of life and a commemorative inscription.
"Place of decision making"
The memorial site is located in the city center, near the Red Torch Theater. At the beginning of the 20th century, a commercial club operated in the theater building. Representatives of the local bourgeoisie met there and made important decisions for themselves. This art object was erected for the 100th anniversary of this club. The sculptural composition includes a metal apple tree. Next to it, on the tiled surface, there is a metal circle with a QR code. Fenced with a wrought-iron fence, the composition is illuminated at night.
"Traffic light"
In 1936, a real traffic light was installed on the site of the modern monument, one of the first in Novosibirsk. It was located next to school number 12 for the safe passage of students through a busy street.Another name for the monument is “Gorodovoy”. The height of the bronze traffic light is over 2 meters. Next to him is a statue of a policeman, who looks at the traffic light in surprise and salutes him.
Steam locomotive "Nimble"
2001 marked the 100th anniversary of the opening of the Trans-Siberian Railway. In honor of the anniversary, a monument to the Provorny steam locomotive was erected, which is a full-size model of the train, located in a special room with glass walls. "Provorny" was the first steam locomotive to sail along the Tsarskoye Selo railway to Novosibirsk.
"Siberian open spaces"
The composition is located in the center of Novosibirsk. There are four sables on the wind rose. In their paws they hold the dome of the Novosibirsk Opera and Ballet Theater, as well as a section of the first railway bridge on the Ob River. The monument was erected in 2008 and is dedicated to the 115th anniversary of Novosibirsk. The composition symbolizes the important role of the city in the development of Siberia and reflects the history of its development.
Monument to the heroes of peacetime, firefighters and rescuers
2015 marked the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Emergencies Ministry of the Russian Federation. In connection with this event, one of the youngest monuments in Novosibirsk was erected. The sculpture is 3 meters high. The figure of a rescuer carrying a little girl out of the fire is located between the stone elevations made in the form of a doorway. On the left hand of the firefighter there is a memorial plaque.
"Serpent Gorynych and Koschey the Immortal"
A large fountain is installed in one of the squares of Novosibirsk. In the center of it there are sculptures of fairy-tale heroes. On a stone rock rises the figure of a three-headed dragon - the Serpent Gorynych. In his paws, he holds a stone throne, on which sits the thin figure of Koshchei the Immortal. Next to him is a chest full of gold coins, and from the water of the fountain a Pike with an egg in his teeth looks at Koschei.
Monument to Academician D.K.Belyaev
2017 marked the 100th anniversary of the birth of Academician Belyaev. From 1959 to 1985 he worked as director of one of the institutes of the SB RAS in Akademgorodok. He made a significant contribution to the development of the Institute of Cytology and Genetics of Novosibirsk. The monument depicts an academician sitting on a bench next to a fox. Belyaev looks at the animal and holds out his paw. The fox, in turn, gives the scientist a paw.
Monument to M.G. Zuev
The monument to the leader of the musical group "Ivan-Kaif" was erected in 2015 on the territory of the Academgorodok of Novosibirsk, 4 years after the death of the musician. He is depicted as the hero of one of the group's songs - "I'm going alone." The figure of Mikhail Zuev is made of bronze in full growth. The monument was erected with voluntary donations from residents of Novosibirsk, including Akademgorodok.
Monument to Taras Shevchenko
A bronze bust of the famous Ukrainian poet was installed in 2015 on a stone pedestal 2.5 meters high. It is dedicated to the 200th anniversary of the birth of Taras Shevchenko. During the years of the poet's exile to Kazakhstan, he planted a weeping willow. A branch of this tree was planted next to the monument. An inscription is engraved next to it: “Let's hug, my brothers. I beg you, I beg you. "
Monument to Rostislav Shilo
The arbor monument was installed in the Novosibirsk zoo. From 1969 to 2016, Rostislav Shilo served as director of the zoo. Many new complexes and pavilions were built under his management. After the death of the director in 2016, it was decided to erect a monument. The bronze sculpture under the stone roof of the pavilion depicts Rostislav Shilo sitting at a table and feeding a squirrel.
"Singer sewing machine"
The Sinar factory, located in Novosibirsk and engaged in the production of textile products, erected a monument in 2011. It is made of bronze and is an enlarged copy of the Singer sewing machine, which was mass-produced in the last century. Thanks to the use of the "Singer" technique, the work of the workers of the sewing factories of Novosibirsk was greatly facilitated, and their productivity was increased.
Monument to the architect A.D. Kryachkov
The bronze figure of the famous architect, more than 3 meters high, is installed on a pedestal not far from the building of the regional administration. It and many other houses in Novosibirsk were built according to the designs of Andrey Kryachkov. In the first half of the 20th century, under his leadership, large-scale construction was launched in the city. Many new buildings have created the modern style of Novosibirsk and brought fresh architectural solutions to it.
Monument to the heroes of the revolution
One of the oldest monuments in Novosibirsk was erected in 1920. It is dedicated to the fighters for Soviet power, in particular, 104 political prisoners killed by Kolchak's troops retreating from the city. The entire composition is located on the territory of the park. In the center is a sculpture depicting a hand holding a torch and breaking through a pile of stones. There is a mass grave next to the sculpture; there are memorial plaques on it.
Monument to M.A.Lavrentyev
Mikhail Lavrentyev was a talented scientist who made many discoveries. He was engaged not only in research, but also in the development of national education and science. It was he who founded the Siberian branch of the Academy of Sciences. Monument to Lavrentiev was opened in Akademgorodok. A bronze bust of the scientist was installed on a red granite pedestal in 1988.
"Metal Throne"
Until 2001, the sculpture was in Omsk, but was later transported. A forged metal throne is set on a small platform. It contains many small figures of workers completing the throne. At the level where the head of the person sitting on the throne appears, the jester's crown hangs. The sculpture has a satirical meaning. She pokes fun at short-lived and fleeting values, often mistaken for eternal and important.
"Vovka in the Far Away Kingdom"
The monument to the hero of the famous Soviet cartoon was erected in 2013 in honor of Children's Day. The sculpture is made of bronze and plastic and is installed opposite the Novosibirsk Economic Lyceum. On a large throne, with his legs crossed, lies the cartoon hero, Vovka. According to the intentions of the creator of the sculpture and the author of the idea, the monument should prompt parents that the creative abilities of their children should develop and multiply.
