Where to Find Contemporary Sculpture and Art in Moscow: 6 Examples / ITech content

We present a collection of contemporary sculptures and public art in Moscow. We've focused on current works, avoiding works by Tsereteli, and delved into the world of contemporary art. Perhaps these inspiring examples will inspire you to create your own monumental work of art. Discover new facets of urban culture and find ideas for your own art projects.

The "Balance" sculpture at Muzeon

The artist Daria Russkikh created the sculpture, which she installed at her own expense as a gift to the city. The composition includes a boulder symbolizing a house, paired with a metal petal and topped with a glass ball representing water. A "time capsule" containing a message to future generations, to be opened in a hundred years, is located beneath the sculpture. The capsule contains six letters from people of different ages and professions: a schoolchild, a doctor, a priest, a lawyer, a statesman, and an artist. This sculpture not only beautifies the city but also creates a connection between generations, preserving the thoughts and dreams of contemporaries for future residents.

The artist explained that the inspiration for her sculpture came to her during a stay in Dagestan. "We were at an art residency and heading toward the canyon, admiring the surrounding nature. People often forget that nature provides us with everything we need, and, unfortunately, they don't value it, causing harm," she noted.

Photo: Moscow Department of Cultural Heritage / mos.ru

Location: near the northern wing of the New Tretyakov Gallery, address: 10 Krymsky Val Street, overlooking the Krymskaya Embankment.

"Big Clay #4"

The installation of this sculpture became one of the main art scandals of the summer of 2021, sparking numerous controversies and jokes. Not all city residents appreciated this work of art. This 12-meter-tall composition, cast in aluminum, is a replica of a lump of clay that Urs Fischer, the artist, kneaded in his hands. The sculpture is dedicated to the act of creation and the creative process through which the artist shapes his material. It was originally planned that she would stay in Moscow for only nine months, but, apparently, she will stay with us much longer.

Photo: faustov / Shutterstock

Bolotnaya Embankment — This is one of the most picturesque places in the city center. Here you can enjoy beautiful views of the river and the surrounding architecture. The embankment is ideal for strolls, picnics, and cultural events. This place attracts both locals and tourists thanks to its unique atmosphere and proximity to historical landmarks. If you are looking for a place to relax in the fresh air, Bolotnaya Embankment is an excellent choice.

Sculptures by Nikolai Polissky in Chermyanka Park

In 2011, the park in the Otradnoye district was covered in overgrown ravines. Architect Galina Likhterova invited artist Nikolai Polissky to create art objects that complemented her project. The sculptural composition, stretching along the entire park, resembles weirs — traditional fishing tackle made of willow twigs on a frame base, used in Rus'. The park's stage is adorned with a unique art object in the form of an "organ," which attracts visitors and creates an atmosphere of creativity and art. This approach to creating public space emphasizes the importance of integrating art into the urban environment, making the park not only a place of relaxation, but also a cultural center.

Photo: Olga Filippova / Shutterstock

Venue: Chermyanka Park, located in the Otradnoye district, offers excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation, walks, and active leisure. Chermyanka Park is renowned for its picturesque landscapes and well-maintained paths, making it an ideal spot for family weekends and gatherings with friends.

Kinetic sculpture "Armadillo"

The art object is located next to Pavilion No. 38 "Fishing" (Business.Technograd) and is shaped like an armadillo. It consists of 305 stainless steel bearings, which ensures its resistance to low temperatures, snow, and ice. The kinetic sculpture was created by renowned American artist Anthony Howe, who previously designed the Olympic flame cauldron for the Olympic Games in Brazil and the 2017 Oscars ceremony. This unique work attracts the attention of visitors and is a striking example of contemporary art that combines technology and aesthetics.

Photo: VDNKh press service

Location: Mira Avenue, 119, building 38.

ZILART: a house with pigeons

Twenty-three unique art objects in the form of pigeons, created by architect Alexander Brodsky, have been installed on the roof of the new building. These works carry not only artistic value but also a profound concept. Brodsky left his "autograph" - skullcaps - on each of the pigeons. The architect emphasizes that the pigeon acts not only as a living creature but also as an element of urban design, along with trash cans, benches, lampposts, and other urban infrastructure. These birds decorate streets, courtyards, squares, and monuments. Pigeons can be found in a variety of places: near the Bolshoi Theater, on the cornice of a school, on the head of Karl Marx, and in many other corners of the city. Brodsky notes that, being part of the urban landscape, the pigeon feels its responsibility to the city and cannot fly away. Perhaps it simply cannot find a more suitable place to live.

Image: "LSR Group"

Address: Avtozavodskaya Street, Building 23.

Installation "Crystal of Representation"

Architect and artist Sergei Kuznetsov, who holds the post of Chief Architect of Moscow, dedicated his work to a modern invention – glass blocks, a patent for which was received by the Swiss architect Gustave Falconier in 1886. The project utilizes 348 antique glass blocks, which are installed in a five-meter-tall stainless steel frame. The total weight of the sculpture is almost 7 tons. This work of art combines historical traditions and a modern approach to architecture, emphasizing the uniqueness of glass blocks as a building material.

Photo: Rustam Shagimordanov / Museum of Architecture

Photo: Rustam Shagimordanov / KROST concern / Museum of Architecture

Address: Vozdvizhenka street, house 5/25.

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