The Monument to Yakub Kolas in Minsk is an iconic monument dedicated to one of the founders of modern Belarusian literature. It was installed in 1972 on the square named after the national poet to commemorate the 90th anniversary of his birth. Yakub Kolas Square, formerly known as Komarovskaya, was renamed in honor of the poet in 1956 after his death.
The monument is a complex spatial composition consisting of three sculptural groups. At the center is an 8-meter figure of Yakub Kolas himself, depicted sitting in contemplation, resting on his hand. The poet is presented in his mature age, emphasizing his wisdom and deep thoughts. Sculptor Zair Azgur paid particular attention to the portrait likeness and life-like details of the figure.
On both sides of Kolas’ central figure are characters from his works. On the right is a sculptural group representing Dzed Talas and his son Panas from the story "Drygva." They appear watchful, as if on guard, peering into the distance. To the left of Kolas are the figures of Symon-Muzyka and his companion Hanka – characters from the eponymous poem. This group is rendered in a lyrical style, reflecting the musical and poetic motifs of the writer's work.
The monument fits harmoniously into the overall ensemble of Yakub Kolas Square. A small park, planted with slender birch trees and blue spruces, surrounds the monument. These trees symbolize Belarusian nature, creating a picturesque backdrop for the monument throughout the year. Fountains, stylized as ears of rye, complement the composition, adding artistic expression to the square.
Zair Azgur, a famous Soviet and Belarusian sculptor, worked on the monument in collaboration with architects Yuri Gradov, Georgy Zaborsky, and Lev Levin. Thanks to their joint efforts, they managed to create a monument that not only reflects the spirit of Yakub Kolas' work but also became an integral part of Minsk’s cultural landscape.
An interesting fact is that after the trees were planted around the monument, some had to be removed as their roots began to penetrate the metro system located beneath the square. This incident added intriguing details to the monument's creation history.
In addition, a popular urban legend tells that during the early days of perestroika, a shelter for Minsk's homeless was found beneath the statue of Kolas. This story became part of local mythology, although there are no official confirmations of its veracity.
The monument to Yakub Kolas attracts not only tourists but also local residents. Minsk citizens love to relax in the park near the monument, and city guests often take photos against its backdrop. Recently, the square has also become a venue for various cultural events and open-air exhibitions, making it even more popular among art lovers.
Thus, the monument to Yakub Kolas not only immortalizes the memory of the great Belarusian writer but also serves as an important cultural landmark for the city of Minsk.