M. I. Kalinin and His Visits to Minsk
Mikhail Ivanovich Kalinin visited Minsk multiple times, including during the Civil War. On June 20, 1919, he arrived in the city on an agit-train, delivering speeches on Trinity Hill and within the walls of the Opera and Ballet Theater. These visits played a crucial role in shaping Soviet ideology in Belarus.
Commemoration of Kalinin
After Kalinin’s death, the Council of Ministers of the USSR adopted a decree on June 30, 1946, "On the Commemoration of Mikhail Ivanovich Kalinin." As a result, one of Minsk’s central squares was named after him, and later, a monument was erected in honor of this prominent Soviet politician.
Architectural Features of the Monument
The monument was built in 1978 in Kalinin Square, located near the Central Botanical Garden. The 5.5-meter-high bronze statue depicts the "worker-peasant president" in full height. It is mounted on a red granite pedestal, which stands on a stepped stylobate. The composition harmoniously fits into the architectural ensemble of Independence Avenue, Minsk's main thoroughfare.
Surroundings and Significance of the Monument
The Kalinin Monument is surrounded by tall fir trees, emphasizing its monumentality and grandeur. Due to its location and historical significance, it remains an important element of the urban environment and one of Minsk’s key landmarks.
