Monument in Memory of Kuzbass Miners, Bronze memorial near Red Hill Museum, Kemerovo, Russia
Monument in Memory of Kuzbass Miners is a seven-meter bronze figure depicting a miner rising from coal seam, clutching a pneumatic drill and pressing coal against his chest. This representation captures the essence of what these workers faced and the tools they used daily in their labor.
The monument was unveiled by Ernst Neizvestny in August 2003, fulfilling a government decree from 1969 to build a memorial for Kuzbass miners. The gap between the initial decision and actual completion reflects how such regional projects often took decades to realize.
The figure is a national symbol for the region's mining heritage, showing how central this work is to Kemerovo's identity. At night, a red light glows inside the miner's chest, creating a striking sight that honors the sacrifice of those who worked underground.
The sculpture is located on Red Hill, where coal was first found in 1721, making it easy to reach from above the site. Visitors will find the location exposed to weather and light conditions that change throughout the day.
The five-ton bronze figure was cast in the United States and transported by sea to Russia for installation. This cross-border production method highlights how the memorial's creation involved international cooperation to honor the region's workers.
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