Ostap Bender statue in St. Petersburg, Bronze statue of literary character in Central District, Russia
The Ostap Bender statue is a 190 centimeter bronze figure in St. Petersburg's central district showing a man in a scarf and cap leaning thoughtfully on a chair while holding a folder. The monument sits on Italian Street near Nevsky Prospect metro station and offers visitors a place to sit and photograph.
The monument was installed on July 25, 2000 near the Zhako House and marked the centennial of the literary character from the novels by Ilf and Petrov. Its placement honored a fictional figure that has captivated readers since its creation in the early 20th century.
The statue depicts Ostap Bender, a character from novels by Ilf and Petrov, whose appearance was modeled after actor Sergei Yursky who played the role in a 1968 film. Visitors encounter this literary figure brought to life through its distinctive clothing and posture in the public square.
The monument stands right on Italian Street, easy to locate especially when near Nevsky Prospect metro station. The built-in chair lets visitors rest and take photographs, making it a popular photo spot.
The nose and certain parts of the monument have developed a polished shine from countless people rubbing and touching it seeking luck or success in their ventures. These shiny surfaces tell a quiet story of many hands that have visited the sculpture.
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