Кот учёный, Bronze sculpture near House of Scientists in Obninsk, Russia
The Learned Cat is a bronze sculpture near the House of Scientists that depicts a studious feline in academic attire resting atop a stack of books. The figure stands in proximity to a century-old oak tree and weighs approximately 300 kilograms.
The sculpture was unveiled on November 1, 2013, following a design competition in which residents selected the winning concept through online voting. The competition allowed citizens to actively shape a new civic landmark for their city.
The sculpture references the learned cat from Alexander Pushkin's famous poem, linking the city's scientific character to Russian literary traditions. Visitors recognize this figure as a direct connection to one of Russia's most beloved literary works.
The sculpture stands near the House of Scientists and serves as a gathering point for educational events and reading festivals throughout the year. Visitors can find it easily as it is centrally located and connected to nearby attractions.
The original plan was to mount the cat directly on the century-old oak tree, but this was changed to protect the ancient tree from damage. Today the figure rests at ground level, making it accessible and intimate for visitors.
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