A rendezvous point for millions. “Meet me at Pushkin” is a phrase echoing through decades at Pushkin Square.
Welcome to Pushkin Square. It is one of Moscow’s busiest squares. It’s also among the busiest worldwide. The square’s story is deeply intertwined with Russian history and culture.
Before 1937, this space was known as Strastnaya Square. This name came from the Passion Monastery. The Soviet regime demolished the monastery in the 1930s. In 1937, the square was renamed in honor of Alexander Pushkin.
At the heart of Pushkin Square stands a statue of Pushkin. It was unveiled in 1880. Ivan Turgenev and Fyodor Dostoyevsky presented it. The statue was funded by public subscription.
Originally, the statue faced the opposite direction. It stood on the other side of Tverskaya Street. It was placed on Strastnoi Square. From there, Pushkin gazed sadly at the Strastnoi Women’s Convent.
In 1950, Stalin moved the statue. Pushkin was relocated to where the convent once stood. Now, Pushkin is flanked by buildings that some find clashing. The old Rossia film theater stands behind him. For years, it was a garish casino. To Pushkin’s right is the Izvestia building. It once housed one of the most famous Soviet newspapers.
The statue itself is a masterpiece. Alexander Opekushin sculpted it. It captures the essence of Pushkin. Muscovites feel a warm connection to it. The statue makes one feel like a familiar and loved person is nearby.
Look closely. You’ll notice Pushkin’s gaze. The statue does not look directly at you. The eyes are raised slightly above your own.
Take note of the hat behind his back. It adds an intriguing detail.
Pushkin Square has witnessed significant events. In 1965, the Glasnost Meeting took place here. It was the first spontaneous public political demonstration in the Soviet Union after World War II. In 1990, the first McDonald’s in the Soviet Union opened here. It was the world’s largest at the time.
Legend says a lady, once rejected by Pushkin, influenced the statue’s location. After Pushkin’s death, she wanted him to stand under her window. It was as if he were begging for forgiveness. Some say Pushkin’s statue gazes towards the corner balcony of her house.
The monument to Alexander Pushkin is the first in Russia. It is also the first in the world. The idea arose after his tragic death. Officials initially opposed it due to Pushkin’s freedom-loving poetry. Permission was granted in 1855. Graduates of the Tsarskoye Selo Lyceum initiated fundraising.
Today, Pushkin Square remains a vital Moscow landmark. It embodies history, culture, and the enduring legacy of Alexander Pushkin. It serves as a meeting place. It also acts as a stage for historical events. Pushkin Square is a testament to Moscow’s vibrant spirit.