Landmark · Garden Ring
Monument to Maya Plisetskaya
Some booking links are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We never let this influence which places we recommend.
The Monument to Maya Plisetskaya stands as a graceful tribute to one of the 20th century's greatest ballet dancers. Located on Bolshaya Dmitrovka Street, just steps from the Bolshoi Theatre where she performed for decades, the statue captures Plisetskaya in a dynamic arabesque, her arms outstretched as if mid-performance. The bronze figure, mounted on a granite pedestal, seems to float above the ground, embodying the ethereal quality that made her famous. Visitors often pause to admire the fluid lines of the sculpture, which was designed by her husband, composer Rodion Shchedrin, and unveiled in 2016. The surrounding area is part of Moscow's historic Garden Ring, a vibrant district filled with theaters, cafes, and cultural landmarks. Benches nearby invite quiet reflection, and the monument is a popular spot for ballet enthusiasts and photographers alike.
Don't miss
- See the lifelike bronze pose that mirrors Plisetskaya's famous arabesque from 'The Dying Swan'
- Read the inscription: 'Maya Plisetskaya – Prima Ballerina of the Bolshoi Theatre' in Russian
- Photograph the statue with the Bolshoi Theatre visible in the background
- Visit the nearby Plisetskaya memorial plaque on the Bolshoi Theatre building
- Explore the surrounding Garden Ring area, with its historic architecture and cultural venues
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Monument to Maya Plisetskaya
You don't need a tour to visit — entry is free. A tour is worth it if you want transport, a guide, or to combine Monument to Maya Plisetskaya with nearby sights in one day. That's what these do well.
Cheapest way inMust-see Buildings & Palaces of Mexico City4.5★ · 44 travelers~4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$48 per personSee dates →
Most bookedPrivate Washington DC City Tour | Monuments Tour4.5★ · 211 travelers3–4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$342 per personSee dates →
Private & flexibleEssential Monuments & Memorials Tour5★ · 39 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$368 per personSee dates →Good for
How travelers rate it
Know before you go
- Combine with a visit to the Bolshoi Theatre (tours available) or a performance if you're a ballet fan.
- The best photo angle is from the front, with the statue silhouetted against the sky.
- No shelter nearby, bring an umbrella if rain is forecast.
- Fans sometimes leave flowers at the base; it's a touching tradition.
A bit of history
Maya Plisetskaya (1925–2015) was a prima ballerina of the Bolshoi Theatre, renowned for her technical brilliance and dramatic roles like Odette-Odile in Swan Lake. The monument was created by sculptor Alexander Rukavishnikov and installed in 2016, funded by private donations and the Russian Ministry of Culture.
Common questions
Is the monument near the Bolshoi Theatre?
Yes, it's about 200 meters away on Bolshaya Dmitrovka Street, a 3-minute walk from the theatre's main entrance.
When was the monument unveiled?
It was unveiled on November 20, 2016, on what would have been Plisetskaya's 91st birthday.
Can I touch the statue?
Yes, there are no barriers. Many visitors touch the bronze foot for good luck, similar to other Moscow statues.
Are there guided tours that include this monument?
Some walking tours of central Moscow stop here, especially those focused on ballet or cultural history. Check with local tour operators.
Is the monument lit at night?
Yes, it is illuminated in the evenings, creating a dramatic effect against the dark sky.
What other landmarks are nearby?
The Bolshoi Theatre, Maly Theatre, Pushkin Square, and the Moscow Art Theatre are all within a 10-minute walk.
More attractions in Moscow
