The Monument to Maxim Gorky in Minsk was erected in 1981 and has become one of the key attractions of the city. It is located in the park named after this great Russian writer and is a bronze sculpture depicting Maxim Gorky seated on a bench. Next to him, a coat is casually placed, creating the impression that the writer has only briefly sat down to rest, deeply immersed in his thoughts. Gorky is depicted in a traditional Russian shirt, and the expression on his face conveys romantic elevation and contemplation. This is a symbolic image that reflects his desire to understand the depths of human nature.
The monument's authors are sculptors Ivan Misko, Andrey Zaspitsky, Nikolai Ryzhenkov, and architect Oleg Trofimchuk. The sculpture is mounted on a low stepped pedestal and is in a prominent location, clearly visible from Independence Avenue and the banks of the Svislach River. Walking through Gorky Park, it is impossible to miss this monument, which blends harmoniously into the surrounding landscape.
Maxim Gorky was not only a famous writer but also a revolutionary whose ideas and views influenced many generations. Although Gorky never visited Belarus, he had a deep interest in Belarusian literature and culture. He highly appreciated the work of Belarusian poets such as Yanka Kupala and Yakub Kolas. A special place in his work was the translation of Kupala's poem “A kto tam idze?” into Russian.
Today, the monument to Maxim Gorky is not only an important cultural object but also a popular spot for leisure. Local residents and tourists alike stroll here, enjoying the shade of trees and the park's alleys. The monument is often included in city tours of Minsk, especially themed tours dedicated to Russian and Belarusian literature. Visitors to the city can also enjoy rides, including the Ferris wheel, offering breathtaking views of Minsk.
Thus, the monument to Maxim Gorky in Minsk is not just a work of sculpture, but a symbol of cultural connection between Belarus and Russia, as well as a place where everyone can reflect on the great and the eternal, inspired by the image of this outstanding writer.
