俄罗斯十大最有趣的纪念碑10 张照片

In recent decades, Russia has seen the creation of a vast number of original monuments, crafted by both renowned and emerging sculptors. When traveling through the cities of your country, don’t forget to take a look at them—guaranteed to lift your mood!

The “Friendship” Ice Cream Monument. Moscow

This unusual monument is located on Rustaveli Street, near the “Karat” melted ice cream factory. It depicts the heroes of the fable “The Raven and the Fox” sitting together on a log, holding an ice cream named “Friendship.” The ice cream itself weighs about 250 kilograms and comes in its original packaging.

The Chizhik-Pyzhik Monument. Saint Petersburg

This monument actually sparked a craze for unusual sculptural compositions. So, one could say that Chizhik was a pioneer—it was installed on Fontanka in 1994. Naturally, this small bronze bird soon became the subject of various legends. If you make a wish and hit Chizhik with a coin, your wish will surely come true. And if a newlywed couple ties a bottle to Chizhik’s beak, their marriage will be happy.

Many monuments in Russia are dedicated to public services. For example, the “Plumber Stepanovich” Monument in Omsk: The steel-plated plumber Stepanovich, peeking out from a manhole on Lubinsky Prospekt, has become a symbol of the city and a favorite among its residents. Many people even offer him cigarettes as they pass by… This monument is actually a copy of one in Bratislava.

The Water Supply Monument. Mytishchi

This monument consists of three metal rails topped with colorful plumbing fixtures. It was erected to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Mytishchi’s water supply system. Although locals don’t particularly like it, calling it the “Drunk Plumber Monument,” “Chupa-Chups” or even the “Martian Tripod,” it still remains a notable landmark in the city.

The Radiator Monument. SamaraThis monument, highly relevant to our climate, was installed in 2005. Samaran researchers found that radiators were originally invented in Russia, and this fact was commemorated in this unique way on the monument’s 150th anniversary. Locals also call it the “Cat Monument.”

There are many monuments in Russia that are instantly understandable to every Russian person. A great example is the “Salad Onion Monument” in Luhovitsy, Moscow Oblast. This beloved delicacy was immortalized in bronze in 2007, on the city’s 50th anniversary. Interestingly, Luhovitsy is the main supplier of onions to the region’s markets and shops… So, feel free to enjoy some fresh onions—Russians’ love for them is truly indomitable!

The “Happiness Monument.” TomskThis deeply philosophical monument provides tourists with a simple answer to the complex question of what happiness really is. According to its creators, happiness lies not in money or fame but in basic human pleasures—hunger satisfaction and warmth. And who better understands these values than Russians?

The “Crocodile Monument.” IzhevskThe relaxed posture of the crocodile Gen, lying on a city bench like a poet, brings smiles to the faces of passersby. This monument was installed in a square opposite School No. 24 in 2005. There are several theories about how Izhevsk is connected to crocodiles. One says that a crocodile escaped from a traveling zoo during the early 20th century and was later found—perhaps it was Gen. After this incident, a legend arose suggesting that crocodiles appeared in local rivers. Another theory suggests that Izhevsk’s gunsmiths were nicknamed “crocodiles” because of their distinctive festive attire.

There are also amusing monuments dedicated to famous people. For example, the “Professor Yevgeny Leonov” Monument.

This monument was unveiled in 2001 and is located on the Star Walk in a small square at the intersection of Mosfilmovskaya Street and Piryev Street, opposite the Mosfilm studio. Yevgeny Leonov’s most beloved character from the popular film “The Lucky Ones” is depicted in such a lifelike way that you can even see the tattoos on his hands. The scene of his confrontation with the prisoners is so vividly portrayed in bronze that it seems as if Leonov might say, “I’ll tear your mouth apart and pull out your eyes…”

The “Luzhkov, the Yardman” Monument. MoscowThis monument is located in the inner courtyard of the Moscow Museum of Modern Art. Luzhkov is symbolically depicted as a diligent yardman holding a broom. In the sculpture, the broom merges into a lamppost. The torn heel of his boot and the pile of trash at his feet add to its humorous effect. The more you look at this monument, the more thoughts and associations it evokes. Its creator is the controversial artist Zurab Tsereteli.