Igor Kurchatov Monument

Igor Kurchatov Monument is located in Chelyabinsk on Science Square near Lenin Avenue and Gagarin Park. It was installed to celebrate the city's 250th anniversary in 1986. The height of two stone pylons is 27 meters; they have hemispheres symbolizing atomic fission. At night, the sculpture is illuminated by spotlights attracting young people, skateboarders, and cyclists. Igor Kurchatov, whose name the monument bears, is a prominent scientist from Chelyabinsk region who founded the Soviet nuclear project. The monument's author is famous Armenian sculptor Vardges Avakyan.