Monument to Minin and Pozharsky

The Monument to Minin and Pozharsky is an iconic landmark of the capital, symbolizing the heroism of the Russian people and the victory over the Polish–Lithuanian invaders during the Time of Troubles. This majestic monument with an unusual fate has adorned Red Square for more than two centuries and is the first historical monument in Russia.

Description of the Sculptural Composition

The monument is a bronze sculptural group on a massive granite pedestal, depicting two national heroes—the Nizhny Novgorod merchant Kuzma Minin and Prince Dmitry Pozharsky. The composition is imbued with deep symbolism and historical meaning.

Symbolism of the Figures and Their Arrangement

Prince Pozharsky is shown seated on the pedestal, leaning on a shield bearing the image of the Savior Not Made by Hands—this pose was chosen for a reason. According to historical accounts, Pozharsky was seriously wounded in battle and, at the time he was called to lead the people’s militia, had not yet fully recovered from his wounds. Beside him stands Kuzma Minin, handing the prince a sword and pointing the way. Both heroes hold the weapon, which symbolizes the unity of the Russian people in the struggle against foreign invaders. Minin’s gesture has a dual interpretation: by one reading, he calls to defend the Kremlin from enemies; by another, he summons the army to storm the fortress. Notably, there was no need to storm the Kremlin—after a prolonged siege, the Polish occupiers left the fortifications of their own accord.

Reliefs on the Pedestal

Two expressive reliefs by Ivan Martos are placed on the pedestal:

• Front relief “The Citizens of Nizhny Novgorod” depicts the people of Nizhny Novgorod bringing donations to form the people’s militia. Among the figures one can see the sculptor himself with his two sons, whom he symbolically sends to the militia. In reality, Martos’s sons did not participate in the battles of 1612—one fought the French in the Patriotic War of 1812, the other died in France in 1813.
• Rear relief “The Expulsion of the Poles” shows Pozharsky leading the militiamen into the decisive battle.

History of the Monument’s Creation

Origin of the Idea and Fundraising

The idea to immortalize the people’s heroes arose in 1803 in Nizhny Novgorod—the city where the famous militia took shape. Local society proposed erecting a monument in honor of Minin and Pozharsky, who gathered a people’s army here against the Polish invaders. After the sculptor Ivan Martos’s project was approved in 1809, large-scale fundraising began. The organizers sent prospective patrons engravings of the future composition. By 1811 they had collected over 130,000 rubles—an impressive sum for the time, considering that a decent house in Nizhny Novgorod cost only a few hundred rubles.

Impact of the Patriotic War of 1812

The process of creating the monument was interrupted by the Patriotic War of 1812—the work receded into the background. The bronze figures were not cast until 1815, and by then the symbolic meaning of the monument had expanded. If it was originally conceived as a tribute to the feat of the people of Nizhny Novgorod, after the victory over Napoleon it came to embody the unity and heroism of the entire Russian people. That is why it was decided to install the monument not in Nizhny Novgorod but in Moscow, on Red Square—in the very heart of Russia.

A Unique Casting Technology

Work on the composition took many years. Martos devoted the first four years to creating the sculptural models of Minin and Pozharsky. Then, in St. Petersburg, preparations for casting began—wax copies were taken from the sculptures, and a 45-layer mold was made from them. The craftsmen employed a revolutionary technology for the time: the figures were cast in one piece rather than in parts, as had been done before. The only exceptions were the sword and the shield, which were made separately. According to contemporaries, when the molds were broken open and the finished sculptures revealed, Martos was completely satisfied with the result.

The River Journey and the Ceremonial Unveiling

After casting was completed, the finished figures had to be delivered from St. Petersburg to Moscow. Transportation was carried out by water and took more than three months: the route began on the Neva, passed along the Volga and the Oka, and ended on the Moskva River. The monument was solemnly unveiled on February 20, 1818, in the presence of Emperor Alexander I and members of the imperial family. The event was accompanied by a large military parade specially organized for the unveiling.

Historical Significance of the Monument

The monument to Minin and Pozharsky became the first historical monument in Russia in the modern sense of the word. Until the 19th century, major milestones in the nation’s history were commemorated by building religious structures—chapels, churches, or monasteries. Secular monuments existed only in St. Petersburg, for example the famous Bronze Horseman, erected in 1782.

Interesting Facts About the Monument

Postponed Unveiling of the Monument

In 2021, during restoration work, architects discovered on the pedestal several holes for the digits “1817”. This finding made it possible to determine that the unveiling was originally planned for a year earlier—during Alexander I’s visit to Moscow in 1817. However, the emperor’s trip was postponed, and the opening ceremony was moved to 1818.

Relocation of the Monument

The current location of the sculpture differs from the original. Initially, the monument was installed in the center of Red Square, with its back to the Upper Trading Rows (now GUM), and Minin was, as it were, directing Pozharsky toward the Kremlin, calling on him to defend it from enemies. In 1931, after the construction of Lenin’s Mausoleum, the monument ended up in an awkward position: it looked as if Minin were handing Pozharsky a sword, and the weapon pointed directly at the mausoleum. The Soviet authorities considered such an arrangement unacceptable, fearing undesirable associations among the public. The monument was moved closer to St. Basil’s Cathedral, where it remains to this day. Even more radical options were considered—up to demolishing the monument and melting down the metal.

The Inscription “To Citizen Minin and Prince Pozharsky”

The text on the pedestal has deep symbolic meaning. The phrase “To Citizen Minin and Prince Pozharsky” underscores the unity of representatives of different estates in the struggle for the freedom of the Fatherland. Kuzma Minin was a city elder and merchant, but his position is not indicated in the inscription—he is called simply a citizen. Dmitry Pozharsky, by contrast, is proudly named a prince. This difference was meant to symbolize the union of all strata of Russian society.

Alexander Pushkin’s Criticism

The great Russian poet Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin sharply criticized the brevity of the inscription on the pedestal. In Pushkin’s view, the text should have contained the heroes’ full names and titles: “...the townsman Kozma Minin nicknamed Sukhorukiy, or the Duma nobleman Kozma Minich Sukhorukiy...” Despite the poet’s authoritative opinion, the inscription remained unchanged. Interestingly, on the reduced copy of the monument installed in Nizhny Novgorod, the text is identical to the Moscow original.

Pozharsky’s Reign That Never Was

After Moscow was liberated from the invaders in 1612, the question arose of electing a new tsar. Among the candidates considered was Dmitry Pozharsky, who, thanks to his military merits and impeccable reputation, enjoyed great public trust. However, representatives of the boyar nobility opposed his candidacy. Historians believe that Pozharsky’s very integrity worked against him—the boyars feared exposure of their own crimes and abuses. In the end, the seventeen-year-old Mikhail Romanov was chosen for the throne, inaugurating a new royal dynasty.

Where the Monument Is Located

The monument stands in the very center of Moscow, on Red Square, directly in front of St. Basil’s Cathedral, between the Spasskaya Tower of the Kremlin and Lobnoye Mesto. It is among the most visited sights of the Russian capital. It is noteworthy that the monument stands practically on the ashes—after the devastating fire of 1812, which destroyed a large part of Red Square, the architect Osip Ivanovich Bove redesigned its architectural appearance. Under his direction, the ensemble was created that, with minimal changes, has survived to this day.

How to Get to the Monument

You can approach Red Square from several directions. If you want to find yourself right by the monument to Minin and Pozharsky, the most convenient metro stations are:

• “Okhotny Ryad” — a 7–10 minute walk across Red Square
• “Ploshchad Revolyutsii” — a 7–10 minute walk
• “Teatralnaya” — a 7–10 minute walk
• “Kitay-Gorod” — a 7–10 minute walk along Ilinka or Varvarka streets

The nearest bus stop is called “Red Square”—from there it is only a two-minute walk to the monument.

What to Do at the Monument

Most tourists take photos by the historical monument, but connoisseurs of history and art carefully study the details of the composition. The monument is notable for its combination of classical (antique) elements of Classicism with Russian motifs. The heroes recall ancient gods in their proportions and the grandeur of their poses, yet in their clothing, armor, and Minin’s hairstyle one can discern distinctly Russian traits. The high-reliefs on the pedestal, depicting scenes of raising the people’s militia and expelling the Polish invaders from Moscow, deserve special attention. These reliefs are genuine works of sculptural art.

What to Combine Your Visit With

The monument stands on Red Square directly in front of St. Basil’s Cathedral, so viewing it naturally pairs with a walk across the country’s main square and visits to other landmarks:

• St. Basil’s Cathedral — a masterpiece of Russian architecture
• Lenin’s Mausoleum — the resting place of the leader of the revolution
• GUM — the historic department store in the building of the Upper Trading Rows
• The State Historical Museum — the largest museum of Russian history
• The Moscow Kremlin — museums and cathedrals within the Kremlin walls
• The Armoury Chamber — the treasury of royal regalia
• The Diamond Fund — a collection of precious stones and objects

Practical Information for Tourists

Admission

Viewing the monument to Minin and Pozharsky and taking photos next to it is absolutely free. The monument is in the open air and accessible around the clock.

When to Visit

This is one of those Moscow attractions that is crowded at any time of year. If you want to examine the pedestal reliefs closely and take photos without interference from crowds of tourists, it is recommended to come to Red Square early in the morning—on weekdays before 9–10 a.m., on weekends before 8–9 a.m.

Conclusion

The monument to Minin and Pozharsky is not just a sculptural composition but a symbol of national unity, patriotism, and the heroism of the Russian people. It recalls the glorious pages of national history, when representatives of different estates united to defend their homeland from foreign invaders. The monument is a must-see on any tour of Red Square. Guides speak in detail about its rich history, the symbolism of the composition, and the twists and turns of its creation. Photos of the monument appear in every guidebook to Moscow, and it has long since become one of the chief symbols of the Russian capital. Visiting this landmark allows you not only to touch the history of Russia but also to feel the spirit of a heroic era when the fate of the entire state was being decided. The monument to Minin and Pozharsky continues to inspire new generations to serve their homeland and reminds us of enduring values—unity, courage, and love of country.