Kalinin monument

The Monument to M. I. Kalinin in Minsk is a monumental statue installed in 1978 in Kalinin Square. This monument is dedicated to the Soviet state and party figure known as the "All-Union Elder." The project was developed by sculptors I. M. Glebov, V. V. Poliychuk, and architects Yu. P. Grigoryev and A. F. Nevzorov. The statue is included in the State List of Historical and Cultural Values of Minsk.

M. I. Kalinin and His Visits to Minsk

Mikhail Ivanovich Kalinin visited Minsk multiple times, including during the Civil War. On June 20, 1919, he arrived in the city on an agit-train, delivering speeches on Trinity Hill and within the walls of the Opera and Ballet Theater. These visits played a crucial role in shaping Soviet ideology in Belarus.

Commemoration of Kalinin

After Kalinin’s death, the Council of Ministers of the USSR adopted a decree on June 30, 1946, "On the Commemoration of Mikhail Ivanovich Kalinin." As a result, one of Minsk’s central squares was named after him, and later, a monument was erected in honor of this prominent Soviet politician.

Architectural Features of the Monument

The monument was built in 1978 in Kalinin Square, located near the Central Botanical Garden. The 5.5-meter-high bronze statue depicts the "worker-peasant president" in full height. It is mounted on a red granite pedestal, which stands on a stepped stylobate. The composition harmoniously fits into the architectural ensemble of Independence Avenue, Minsk's main thoroughfare.

Surroundings and Significance of the Monument

The Kalinin Monument is surrounded by tall fir trees, emphasizing its monumentality and grandeur. Due to its location and historical significance, it remains an important element of the urban environment and one of Minsk’s key landmarks.