Monument to Maxim Gorky, Bronze monument in Tverskaya Zastava Square, Moscow, Russia

The Monument to Maxim Gorky is a bronze statue on Tverskaya Zastava Square in Moscow. Sculptor Ivan Shadr designed it in 1939; after his death Vera Mukhina completed the work, and it was installed in 1951. The figure stands on a pedestal within a small square, surrounded by a tram loop laid around the monument.

The sculpture was designed in the 1930s but not installed until 1951 on Tverskaya Zastava Square, reflecting a major shift in Soviet cultural priorities after World War Two. This long gap between conception and placement shows how Soviet public art projects evolved during the 20th century.

The writer honored here was a major voice in Russian literature whose works focused on social issues and the lives of ordinary people. The monument reflects how Soviet society valued literary figures as important public figures.

This monument sits on an open square near Belorussky railway station, making it easy to find and reach by public transport. The plaza provides plenty of space to walk around and view the figure from different angles.

The monument was dismantled in 2005 for a road interchange and lay horizontally in Muzeon park until 2007, when it was stood upright. Mishandling during removal and years on its side left a crack on its left side, still visible after restoration.