Worker and Kolkhoz Woman Monument, Moscow

The Worker and Kolkhoz Woman Monument perfectly represents the Soviet theme of solidarity, magnificence, and supremacy. Both figures are shown walking from east and west as they patriotically display the symbols of communism, the hammer and sickle. The male worker holds a hammer in the air while the woman holds a sickle alongside the hammer completing the symbol. The monument perfectly brings together the peasant farmer and the industrial worker, one of the goals of communism.

Originally built by the Soviet sculptor Vera Mukhina for 1937 world fair in Paris, this 300-foot statue is located in the Russian Exhibition Centre in Moscow. Kolkhoz means collective farm, a farm that belonged to the Soviet state. The intent of the collective farms was to share work and profits equally. In 1941, Mukhina was awarded the Stalin Prize by the Soviet government for her work.

In 2003, the statue left Moscow for a five-year-long restoration process. A lack of financing delayed the restoration process for several years. In 2008, the statue returned to its former home. One should visit the stainless nickel-chrome steel monument just to gaze at the sheer size of it.

Why You Should Visit:
One Soviet Union's iconic symbols – all Soviet films began with the picture of this monument as it also served as a logo for Mosfilm studio, the biggest Soviet movie company.

Tip:
Make sure you visit the museum of this statue underneath it (interesting and very modern) and take a walk in the adjacent park.