Peter the Great Statue Monument

The Monument to Peter I (commonly called the Peter the Great Statue) is a large public sculpture standing on the Moskva River in central Moscow; it was created by Zurab Tsereteli and unveiled in 1997. The ensemble is approximately 98 metres tall, making it one of the tallest statues in the city.

The work depicts Peter the Great aboard a stylised ship with towering masts and is notable for its scale and complex arrangement of bronze forms. The statue is most often seen from river cruises and the adjacent river embankments, where its full height and the ship silhouette are easiest to photograph.

The monument was commissioned and executed by sculptor Zurab Tsereteli and installed in the late 1990s; it remains a modern public sculpture rather than a historic memorial. It has been a permanent landmark on the Moskva River since its unveiling.

The statue sits directly on the Moskva River within central Moscow, positioned so it is visible from several central embankments and from passing river traffic.

• Height: The monument is one of the tallest sculptures in Russia at about 98 metres high and is visible across much of central Moscow.
• Artist and date: Created by Georgian-Russian sculptor Zurab Tsereteli and unveiled in 1997.
• Viewing tips: Best public viewpoints include Moskva River cruises and the river embankments near the monument, which allow close photographic views of the ship and figure.

The statue sits near the western bend of the Moskva River. From central Moscow, take the Metro to Park Kultury or Frunzenskaya and walk along the embankment; taxis and river boats also provide access. Expect busy traffic on nearby roads.

• If photographing, go at golden hour when the complex curves catch the low light; mid-day can wash out details.
• Pair a visit with a walk along the Moskva River embankments to see contrasting Soviet and imperial Moscow architecture.
• Book any boat or guided tour that includes the Moskva River stretch near the statue for the best waterfront angle.