If you are lucky enough to come to Kaliningrad, the Sculpture Park cannot be ignored - this is a mandatory part of any excursion program.
History of the Kaliningrad sculpture park
In the center of the westernmost city of Russia is an island that is also called the island of Kant or the ancient name Kneiphof. Here is a sculpture park unique to Kaliningrad - an unusual open-air museum of contemporary art.
12 hectares of the picturesque park surround one of the most ancient buildings of the city - the graceful Cathedral, under the walls of which is located the grave of the great philosopher I. Kant.
The cathedral is the only stone building on the island, but this was not always the case ... Even before the middle of the last century, the island had many houses, among which there was a town hall, trade was boiling here and trams ran. During the war, most of the buildings did not survive, and the cathedral had to be restored for a long time.
Today, a unique monument of Russian Gothic architecture is open to visitors exclusively as a museum. It captivates the imagination with colorful reflections of stained-glass windows, skillfully carved icons and the incomparable sound of an organ that can be heard during concerts. Nearby is the Museum of Philosophy, dedicated to Immanuel Kant.
In 1984, it was decided to create a sculpture park in the center of Kaliningrad. From Moscow were transferred the works of famous artists of the XX century, laureates of state prizes, corresponding members of the Russian Academy of Arts. Unique works, each in its own style and manner, give the park a special charm. The sculpture park belongs to the Kaliningrad Museum of History and Art; since 2007 it has been an object of cultural heritage. In the near future it is planned to carry out the reconstruction of the park area and the creation of a single architectural complex on the island.
Sculptural works of modern art
In Kaliningrad, in the Sculpture Park, about 30 figures are made of different materials: bronze and granite, metal and marble.
23 figures are conditionally united in the cycle "Man and the World" and are dedicated to outstanding creative personalities: poets and composers, writers and historical figures.
The monumental sculpture of Peter I, created by V. Mokrousov, Honored Artist of the Russian Federation, who participated in the restoration of the Moscow Cathedral of Christ the Savior, is amazing. The bust of Chopin by E. Belashova makes a great impression. Among recognizable faces are Blok and Handel, Tchaikovsky and Mitskevich, Gagarin and Gorky, Kant and many others.
Sculptural compositions and solitary figures organically fit into the park space - they literally became part of the landscape. Walking along the alleys, you can take a closer look at the sculptures Panther, Peace, Toward the Light and the composition Peace. Creation.
The sculptures "Northern Melody" and "Peace without War" are not indifferent.
Truly unique is the work “Singing Children” - the author’s marble copy is in one of the Florentine museums.
Emotional portraits of a worker and a woman, a captain and a girl attract attention.
To capture all the works, you can use the information stand on the main alley near the cathedral. The places where the sculptures are located and their names are indicated there.
Park vegetation
Culture Park in Kaliningrad is also a unique arboretum that has collected rare plants from around the world.
The arboretum began to be created on the island in the late 60s of the last century, planting trees and shrubs brought from North and South America, Japan, Mongolia, China, Europe. Plants that have taken root well on Kaliningrad land allow you to admire the beauty and richness of the natural world.
How to get to the Sculpture Park
Locals will easily tell you how to get to the Kaliningrad Sculpture Park. Address: Kant Island. Minibuses No. 52, 79, 81, 89, 102 make a stop. You can enter the park through the Honey Bridge.
The park area is open round the clock, access is free. To get a full picture of the Sculpture and Arboretum Park, you can book a tour at the Museum of Philosophy. The museum is open every day from 10:00 to 18:00 hours.