Monument to Lomonosov in Arkhangelsk

Monument to Lomonosov in Arkhangelsk is a bronze statue on a pink granite pedestal showing the scholar in classical robes while a winged figure presents him with a lyre. The sculpture stands about 10 feet (3 meters) tall in front of the main university building, with the pedestal containing inscriptions in Russian.

Ivan Martos created this sculpture in 1832 as Arkhangelsk's first major monument and Russia's first statue dedicated to a scientist. It marked a new era when the nation began publicly recognizing its intellectual achievements and celebrating the contributions of great minds.

The monument depicts Lomonosov in classical robes, reflecting how 18th-century Russia honored its intellectual figures. Visitors can see how the composition celebrates both his scientific work and his writing, showing what the nation valued in its great minds.

The monument sits in an open square in front of the university building, making it easy to locate without detailed directions. The grounds are flat and easily walkable year-round, though winter weather brings snow that adds a different character to the setting.

Funding for the monument came from donations across Russia rather than a single government budget, an unusual approach for a regional project in the 1800s. The sponsorship by top officials demonstrated how much the nation wanted to publicly honor this northern scholar.