Monument to Valery Chkalov

The Monument to Valery Chkalov is a federal memorial in central Nizhny Novgorod featuring a detailed pedestal with maps of the pilot's major flight routes. The structure incorporates labradorite stone, which gives the monument its distinctive appearance and light-reflecting surface.

The monument was erected in 1940 to honor a Soviet pilot who achieved the first non-stop flight from Moscow to Vancouver via the North Pole in 1937. This accomplishment established him as a major figure in early Soviet aviation history.

The monument represents a source of local pride, commemorating a Soviet pilot whose achievements shaped how people view aviation history. Visitors walking past often pause to read about his flight routes carved into the base.

The monument sits in the central area of Nizhny Novgorod and is easily accessible on foot. It stands in a public square where you can walk around it freely and read the inscriptions on the pedestal.

The labradorite stone used in the monument creates optical effects as light strikes its surface, reflecting colors in an unexpected way. This natural property makes the monument visually interesting throughout the day as lighting conditions change.

Location: Nizhny Novgorod

Inception: 1940

Architects: Ivan Taranov, Viktor Andreyev

Made from material: labradorite

GPS coordinates: 56.33000,44.00944

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:40