Monument to Ilya Muromets
Hero of the Kyivan Rus Era
History of the Monument
Unique Technology
Installed: August 2, 2018
Authors: sculptor-artist: Volodymyr Zhurovel, architect: Oleh Selivanov, graphic Designer: Stanislav Topolsky
Location: Kyiv
Material: Bronze, brass
Muromets Park
In March 2018, a closed architectural blitz competition was held to improve the central part of the Chortoryi area on Trukhaniv Island in the Desnianskyi District. Out of 10 submitted proposals, the winning design was selected from a team consisting of Volodymyr Zhurovel, Oleh Selivanov, and Stanislav Topolsky. The winning project was evaluated based on six criteria: uncovering the historical and cultural potential of the area, showcasing its recreational potential, integrating the area cohesively, the quality of architectural and landscape solutions, the main concept of the project, and its feasibility.
The sculpture of Ilya Muromets was created using a unique technology never before applied to works of such scale. The monument was assembled from several parts printed on a 3D printer and later cast in metal. The casting took place in Vyshneve, a town near Kyiv.
Vasyl Virastyuk, a Ukrainian strongman and holder of the titles "Strongest Man of Ukraine" (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005) and "World's Strongest Man" (2004), agreed to pose as the model for the image of Ilya Muromets.
On August 2, 2018, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko officially unveiled the monument. The mayor noted that the project incurred no cost to the city, as the monument was entirely funded by private sponsors.
Vitali Klitschko stated:
"Ilya Muromets was born near Chernihiv, served in Prince Volodymyr’s guard, defended Kyiv, and was buried in the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra. He is our hero, a part of our history that others try to take from us. That’s why Muromets will stand here, on this historic site, where the hero’s outpost once stood."
Vasyl Virastyuk, a Ukrainian strongman and holder of the titles "Strongest Man of Ukraine" (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005) and "World's Strongest Man" (2004), agreed to pose as the model for the image of Ilya Muromets.
On August 2, 2018, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko officially unveiled the monument. The mayor noted that the project incurred no cost to the city, as the monument was entirely funded by private sponsors.
Vitali Klitschko stated:
"Ilya Muromets was born near Chernihiv, served in Prince Volodymyr’s guard, defended Kyiv, and was buried in the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra. He is our hero, a part of our history that others try to take from us. That’s why Muromets will stand here, on this historic site, where the hero’s outpost once stood."
VOLODYMYR ZHURAVEL