Penza
51 places
Architectural Sculptural Composition Good Angel of Peace
Penza, Pushkina St
In Penza, on Pushkin Street, an architectural-sculptural composition "Good Angel of Peace" was installed. It was created by academician RAH Pyotr Stronsky. The opening took place on February 4, 2009, to mark the 70th anniversary of the Penza region. At the center of the composition is a three-meter-high gilded bronze angel standing on a ten-meter marble column and releasing a dove. The pedestal immortalizes the names of local benefactors and patrons. A hemisphere under the statue symbolizes the earth.
Spyrgin Botanical Garden
Penza, Karla Marksa St, 2a
I.I. Spyrgin Botanical Garden in Penza serves as a center for scientific and educational activities. It features unique plant collections available for study and learning. Located near Belinsky Park and planetarium, it is an important part of the city's cultural and educational routes. Named after renowned botanist Ivan Ilyich Spyrgin, the garden actively contributes to the preservation and study of flora.
Governor's Mansion Penza
Penza, historic centre
Three-story governor's mansion building in Penza is situated in the historical city center. Built in 1790 in the style of mature classicism, it is connected architecturally with window designs by architect Yakov Ananin. From 1801 to 1917, the house was the residence of penza governors. After the restoration of 2007-2010, it currently houses the second wing of the Penza Regional Picture Gallery. Cultural heritage site.
Tyrin's Merchant House
Penza, historic centre
Tyurin Merchant's House - a wooden two-story mansion with a mansard roof in the historical center of Penza. The estate was built before 1866 and belonged first to Varvara Zagoskina, then to lumber merchant Stepan Tyurin, after whom it was inherited by his wife Lyubov. After restoration in the 1970s, the building housed the Museum of Folk Creativity. The structure is a monument of wooden architecture of the Penza region.
Former Dukes' Assembly Building
Penza, Kirova St
The former Dvoryansky Sobranie building in Penza is situated on Kirova Street. Built in 1796, it served as the center of local nobility's social and cultural life. Between 1845-1847 it was reconstructed by contractor P.V. Morgan. Since 1936 it housed the House of Pioneers which operated until relocating to a new Palace in 1987. At the end of the 19th century, a cast iron canopy with the coat of arms of Penza was installed above the entrance. Currently, the structure is part of the historical city center's architecture.
Penza Cinema Concert Hall
Penza, Bakunina St, 147
Cinema-concert Hall "Penza" is located at: Penza city, Bakunin street, 147. It is a major cultural venue hosting gastrols, plenary sessions, film festivals and concerts. The hall serves as an important element of the city's cultural life, complementing the capabilities of the philharmonic with more versatile event formats.
Penza War and Labour Glory Monument
Penza, Pobedy Sq
The monument to military and labor glory of Penza residents is situated on Victory Square in Penza. The central sculpture, 5.6 meters high, depicts a woman with a child and a defender-warrior. A granite niche holds a Memorial Book listing 100,185 deceased hometown compatriots' names. In honor of Victory Day, Defender's Day and Remembrance Day and Mourning, an honorary guard is posted at the memorial. Eternal flame burns at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Moscow. The base of the monument contains soil from brothers-in-arms graves of hero cities. St. Mikhail the Archangel chapel was built nearby in 2000.
Monument of Glory "Rostok"
Penza, Reki Sury Emb
Monument to Glory "Rostok" in Penza is situated on the banks of the Sura River. It is a metal obelisk 25 meters high topped with a stele made of Karelian granite. On the stele there are engraved names of heroes of the Soviet Union and Russia. The author's team includes artist Alfred Oyu, sculptor Apollinary Fomin and architect Lev Iofan. In 1967 the monument contained a message for future generations which was opened and updated in 2017 with a new appeal addressed to people of the year 2063.
V. O. Klyuchevsky Museum
Penza, Klyuchevskogo St, 66–68
The V.O. Klyuchevsky Museum is located in Penza at ulitsa Klyuchevskogo, 66-68. It was opened in 1991 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the famous historian's birth. The complex includes the main house, an adjacent building, a passage and a flier of the estate where the Klyuchevsky family lived from 1851 to 1861. The museum houses over four thousand exhibits including personal belongings, archives and manuscripts of the historian. This is the first historian's museum in Russia.
I. N. Ul'yanov Museum
Penza, Krasnaya St, 54a
I. N. Ul'yanov Museum is located in the former service building of Dvoryansky Institute at Penza, Krasnaya St., 54A. After reconstruction it was re-opened on May 17, 2013. It features a permanent exhibition about the life and surroundings of Il'ya Nikolaevich Ul'yanov in Penza, including peasant hut, noble drawing room and interior of merchant's house. On the second floor there is an exhibit "World of Penza's Estates: Family and Life XIX–XX Centuries". The museum has been open since April 1970.
Museum of Folk Crafts
Penza, Kuybysheva St, 45
The Penza Museum of Folk Art is situated on Kuybysheva Street, 45. Established in 1975, it houses collections of woodcarving and painting, rush weaving, carpet-making, lace knitting and ceramics. A distinctive feature of the museum is Abashev toys and rare types of Penza ceramics. Regularly held here are exhibitions of decorative and applied arts as well as personal displays by artists.
Meatnikov One Painting Museum
Penza, Kirova St, 11
One-Picture Museum named after G.V. Myasnikov is situated in the historical building of Penza built in the second half of the XIX century. Opened in 1983 upon Georgy Myasnikov's initiative. In March 2002, the museum received its current name and was dedicated to the founder. A branch of Penza Picture Gallery named after K.A. Savitsky presents visitors over 25 canvases and one icon. Located at: Penza city, Kirova street, 11.
Russian Army Museum
Penza, Kirova St, 51
The Museum of the Russian Army in Penza is located at Kirova Street, 51. Opened in December 2014 based on the military-historical club "Avanpost". It features an exhibition with reconstructed and authentic weapons, medals from the Russo-Turkish, Russo-Japanese and Crimean wars, documents, photographs and cavalry uniforms. Excursions are held on army weaponry, byta and schedule, as well as the military historical festival "Marsovoe Pole".
Sura River Embankment
Penza, Reki Sury Emb
Sura River Embankment is part of Penza's sightseeing routes. Here is the city's formal riverside area previously named after river Penzhina due to Sura's course change. There is a suspension pedestrian bridge and monument "Rostok" on it. The embankment is popular among locals for walks and watching fireworks displays. From its territory there is a view onto historical center and river valley.
New Building of Penza Regional Museum
Penza, Belinskogo St, 8
The building is situated at Belinsky Street, 8 in Penza city. Built in 1787 by architect Yakov Ananiev in the style of Russian classicism. Formerly employed Vice-Governor Ivan Dolgorukov, known poet and dramatist worked here. Since September 2023, a new branch of the local history museum operates here hosting temporary exhibits focused on historical and regional studies. The site holds status as a federal level cultural heritage site.
Penzene Fortress Defense Wall
Penza, Kirova St
The defensive rampart of Penza Fortress is situated on Kirov Street in the historical center of Penza. This is an object of historical and cultural heritage associated with the founding of the city in 1663. The height of the rampart serves as a viewing point over the central part of Penza. Nearby is the monument "First Settler", while along the rampart a restored wooden bell tower with a cannon has been reconstructed, forming together with the monument an integral memorial complex.
V. G. Belinsky Monument
Penza, Teatralnyy Dr
The monument to V.G. Belinsky was installed in Penza on Teatralnyy Prospekt. It is made of grey granite and features a bronze figure of the writer standing 5.5 meters tall. The authorship belongs to sculptor Evgeniy Vuchitchev and architect Leonid Polyakov. The opening took place on July 10th, 1954. On the pedestal there are the name of the author and his years of life: 1811-1848. The monument is an object of federal cultural heritage.
Lenin Monument
Penza, Lenina Sq
The monument to V.I. Lenin is located in the center of Lenina Square in Penza. It is the compositional center of the square near the building of the Government of the Penza Region. Used for holding festive events and ceremonies. The monument reflects the Soviet period of the city's history and is part of the historical route through its central part.
V. O. Klyuchevsky Monument
Penza, Plekhanova St, 15
In Penza, on Plehanova Street, 15, there is a monument to the famous Russian historian Vasily Osipovich Klyuchevsky. It was installed in 2008 by sculptor Valery Kuznetsov. A bronze figure of the scientist is located on a composite pedestal, with a memorial plaque attached indicating his origin from the Penza region. This is one of two known monuments to Klyuchevsky in Russia and abroad. Nearby is a memorial museum dedicated to the historian.
Vladimir Ehrenberg Meierhold Monument
Penza, Volodarskogo St, 59
The monument to Vsevolod Emilevich Meyerhold was installed in Penza on Volodarskogo Street, 59. It is the first worldwide memorial dedicated to the outstanding director created by sculptor Yuri Tkachenko. Opened in 1999, it commemorates the 125th anniversary of Meyerkhold's birth. The monument is situated within the territory of the Center for Theatre Arts "Meyerkhold House", complementing its open-air museum exhibition.
L. A. Zagoskin Monument
Penza, Kuybysheva 45 St
The monument to Lavrentiy Alekseevich Zagoskin is situated at Kuibyshev Street, 45 in Penza. It features a bronze bust of the explorer of Russian America standing on a granite pedestal. Opened in September 2018 as part of the "Return to Native Shores" project. The bust appears on a postcard issued to commemorate Zagoskin's 210th anniversary. The researcher had visited the estate previously owned by writer Zagoskin's aunt Varvara.
Mikhail Yurevich Lermontov Monument
Penza, skver Lermontova
In Lermontov's garden, near the regional library named after M.Yu. Lermontov, stands a monument to the great poet. A bronze figure of Mikhail Yurevich in full military uniform is placed on a high granite pedestal 1.5 meters tall. The authors of the monument are architect Vladimir Popov and sculptor Vasily Stamov. The monument was opened in August 1978, its total height with the pedestal exceeds 4 meters.
Penzyak the Thick-Legged Monument
Penza, Moskovskaya St
In Penza on Moscow Street there's a monument called "Thickheel." The sculpture was made by German Feoktistov and Valery Kuznetsov. It shows a bronze Penza man putting on a sock. The concept ties back to a saying by Suvorov about locals. The unveiling happened on November 6, 2018. The piece is part of modern city symbolism and is located near the "Proverb Piggy Bank" Square. According to lore, the term "thick heel" refers to double socks knit by Penza soldiers.
First Settler Monument
Penza, ul. Kirova, historical wall
The monument "First Settler" is situated on the historical rampart of Penza Fortress at 19 Kirova Street. It was created by artist Azaria Mamatkadze and symbolizes the founders and first inhabitants of the fortress. From an adjacent observation platform, one can see the eastern and southeastern parts of the city as well as the valley of the Sura River. The monument has become a popular symbol of Penza and appears on souvenirs. This is a cultural heritage site of regional significance.
Belinsky Cultural Park and Recreation Area
Penza, Belinsky Park
Belinsky Cultural Park and Recreation Area in Penza was known since 1911 when named after the prominent Russian writer. In 1912, Summer Theatre designed by engineer-architect A.E. Yakovlev appeared here. There is a cable car 1000 meters long and Samovarnik spring is arranged in the park. In 1975, an apparatus "Small Zeiss" for Penza planetarium was installed. The park is a cultural heritage site of Russia. The first sports field opened here in July 1918. Address: Penza, Karl Marx Street, 1.
Olympic Park
Penza, Olympic Park
Olympic Park in Penza - the city's first multifunctional park opened in 2013. It features fields for paintball and laser tag, sports areas including a multi-purpose complex and running track. There are studios and clubs for various age groups, with regular concerts and family events. For children there is an "Caravela" playground. Also, the park has a concert stage.
Penza Picture Gallery named after C.A. Savitsky
Penza, Sovetskaya St, 3
Penza Picture Gallery named after K.A. Savitsky is situated at Sovetskaya Street, 3. Founded in 1892, it has gathered a collection of Russian art from the XIX to early XX centuries featuring works by renowned artists such as Kuindzhi, Korovin, Vrubel, Rockotov, Levitzky, Repin, Shishkin, Surikov and Levitan. The main building of the gallery, constructed between 1910-1912, previously belonged to Penza branch of the Peasants' Land Bank. It also houses a unique collection of works by local masters.
Penza Regional Library named after M.Y. Lermontov
Penza, Stroiteley Ave, 168a
Penza Regional Library named after M.Yu. Lermontov is located at Prospekt Stroiteley, 168A. It conducts local studies work and organizes exhibitions, lectures and literary events. The library building is connected to the city's cultural history; previously, from 1892, it housed Public Lermontov Library. The current institution is a state cultural center for the region.
Penzenskaya Regional Philharmonic Society
Penza, Suvorova St, 215
Penza Regional Philharmonic is located at Suvorova Street, 215. It is a professional concert venue opening its doors for major regional cultural events. The philharmonic building, constructed in 2013, replaced the former touring bureau operating since 1939. Since 1957, the philharmonic has hosted a symphony orchestra and musical-literary lecture series. In 2010, the institution received autonomous status as "Penzakoncert".
Penza Mosque
Penza, Bakunina St, 10
Penza Cathedral Mosque is situated at Bakunin Street, 10. The building is an historical and architectural monument of the city, constructed at the end of the 19th century. Between 1893 and 1894 it was reconstructed as a mosque according to the design of architect V.P. Semchikhin's junior. In 1895 the mosque passed under the ownership of Penza's Muslim community. After a long period of disuse, in March 1991 the building was returned to Penza Muslims.
Penzensky State Regional Museum
Penza, Krasnaya St, 73
Penza State Regional Museum is situated at Krasnaya Street, 73 in Penza city. It keeps historical documents and rare exhibits including numismatic collection and archaeological finds. Exhibitions, lectures and regional studies events take place here. Surrounding museum building is surrounded by old wooden structures from the 19th to early 20th centuries. Collections cover nature, history and region's culture while book fund's core consists of publications from Penza Society for Natural Science Lovers.
Penzenskiy State University
Penza, Krasnaya St, 40
Penza State University is located at Krasnaya Street, 40 in Penza city. Founded on July 3, 1943 as an industrial institute evacuated from Odessa. Since 1958 it was renamed to Penza Engineering and Construction Institute. In 1998 the university received its current status. In 2012 it merged with Belinsky Pedagogical University. Lectures began on November 1, 1943. Initially the university trained specialists in machine technology, lathes and casting production.
Penzensky Zoo
Penza, Krasnaya St, 10
Penza Zoo opened in 1981 is situated on the grounds of the former archiepiscopal garden, with its first mentions dating back to 1848. Its area covers 9.8 hectares. There are 143 species of animals here, including those protected under CITES and Penza region's Red Book. A distinctive feature of the zoo are three ponds connected by channels. Rare and endangered animals are represented in the zoo.
Penza Literary Museum
Penza, Kirova St, 2
Penza Literary Museum is located at Kirova Street, 2. Its collection includes books from former gimnazia, lifetime editions, autographs and manuscripts of famous writers associated with Penza. The main exhibition focuses on Penza's literary heritage and is titled "Penzenskaya Zemlya — Russkoy Literature". The museum actively participates in regional scientific events and cultural projects.
Penza Regional Drama Theatre named after A. V. Lunacharsky
Penza, Moskovskaya St, 89
Penza Regional Drama Theatre named after A.V. Lunacharsky is situated at Moskovskaya Street, 89 in Penza city. Founded in 1793, it premiered comedy play "Deceitful One". Known for performances of Soviet authors' plays in the 1930s and work with modern dramatists' labs. Its history includes visits from festivals of oldest Russian troupes and young authors' labs.
Penza Regional Puppet Theatre "Puppet House"
Penza, Chkalova St, 35
Penza Regional Puppet Theatre "Puppet House" was founded in December 1942 as a puppet brigade under the defense miniature theatre. It officially opened in May 1943. Since then, the theater has changed addresses several times: initially it was located at Moskovskaya, 7, then moved to Moskovskaya, 1, later settled on Moskovskaya, 17. Today it is situated at Chkalova Street, 35. This is the only professional children's theatre in Penza region, whose repertoire is aimed at audiences of different ages. The theatre has been awarded prestigious prize "Golden Mask" multiple times.
Penza Youth Theatre
Penza, Tarkhanova St, 11a
Penza Youth Theatre is located at Tarkhanova St., 11a. Founded in 1989, it is an important part of the regional theatrical infrastructure and focuses on children and teenage audiences. Festivals and educational programs for young viewers take place here; the repertoire includes performances based on classics and contemporary dramaturgy. Previously, the theatre rented space from former cinema "October".
Penzhino Planetarium
Penza, Belinsky Park
Penza Planetarium located in Belinsky Park was founded in 1954 based on city observatory. Educational programs about Earth structure, solar system and space history are held here for schoolchildren. In 1975, planetarium acquired "Small Zeiss" apparatus from GDR allowing to show starry sky anytime day or year. Star hall has a dome with 12-meter diameter and is an important part of museum-educational infrastructure of the park.
Lenin Square
Penza, Lenina Sq
Lenin Square is situated in the center of Penza in front of the regional government building. It is part of the "Along the Historical Center" route and serves as a venue for demonstrations, rallies and festivals. In the middle of the square stands a monument to Vladimir Il'ich Lenin. Adjacent is the park "Kopilka Poslovits." The space reflects Soviet architecture and actively participates in the life of administrative and public Penza.
Victory Square
Penza, Pobedy Sq
Victory Square in Penza is situated near Prospekt Pobedy and serves as the city's memorial space. A Monument to Military and Labor Glory of Penzenskies residents was installed here, opened in 1975, along with an Eternal Flame. Adjacent to the memorial is Archangel Mikhail's Chapel built in 2000. Annually, ceremonial events and flower layings take place on the square during commemorative days.
Suspension Bridge over Sura River
Penza, Suspension Bridge over Sur
Suspension bridge over the Sura River in Penza connects Uritskogo Street and Zlobina Street. Its total length is 292 meters. The bridge was built in 1973 by Mostootradyom No.20 kollektiva and recognized as one of the best engineering projects of the USSR in the 1970s. It serves as a walking area and city riverside viewpoint connecting the western and eastern shores of the river. The address is given along the city's embankment although the actual bridge spans the Sura River. Cyrillic fragments fixed: embankment, Mostootryad
Pokrovsky Archiepiscopal Cathedral
Penza, Chkalova St, 26
Archiepiscopal Pokrovsky Cathedral in Penza is situated on Chkalova Street. The revived temple first opened its doors to worshippers in October 1997 after a long period of restoration starting in 1989. The first church on this site was built in the seventeenth century but it burned down and was reconstructed several times. The current cathedral's bell tower was constructed in 2001 according to architect D.A. Borunov's design.
Lermontov Square
Penza, skver Lermontova
Lermontov Sqare is located in the historical center of Penza and connected to regional libraries and the literary route of the city. In 1892, a bust of Mikhail Yurevich Lermontov was installed here, which became the second such monument in Russia. The bust was created by St. Pyotrsburg sculptor Ilya Gintsburg based on a portrait by K.A. Gorbunov. Since 1971, an annual Lermontov Festival has been held in the square.
Russian Proverb Chest Sculptural Composition
Penza, Skver "Kopilka Poslovits"
In Penza, in the "Poslovitsy Copilka" garden, there is a bronze sculptural composition called "Russian Folk Saying Chest" ("Shkatulka russkikh narodnykh poslovits"). The chest's height is about 2.5 meters. On its top is depicted Ivan Lachinov the pushkar with two keys. Four sides are decorated with reliefs featuring Russian sayings, with the central one reading "Courage takes the city". The work was created by Penza sculptor Valery Kuznetsov. The opening took place in 2010.
Cathedral Square
Penza, Sobornaya Sq
Cathedral Square in Penza is the historical core of the city. It features buildings from the 18th to 19th centuries and a restored Spassky cathedral. Previously known as Soviet Square, it now is part of pedestrian tours through Penza's center. Nearby are the historical rampart and the monument "First Settler". This is an ideal starting point for strolling through the city's ancient district.
Spassky Cathedral
Penza, Sobornaya Sq, 1
Spassky Cathedral is located on the Cathedral Square in Penza. It is an architecture monument of classicism built between 1790-1824. The cathedral has the main upper church altar dedicated to All-Merciful Savior consecrated in 1821. The cathedral's frescoes were painted by Kuzma Makarov and his students, and reworked by Ivan Makarov in the 1830s. Restoration works began in 2010; the bell tower foundation was poured with concrete in February 2011.
Moskovskaya Street
Penza, Moskovskaya St
Moskovskaya Street in Penza is one of the oldest and most important streets in the historical center of the city. It starts from Lenina Square and continues to Yuiblennaya Square, being part of official city walking tours. There are monuments and sculptures here, including "Penzyaok Tolstopyatyy" and "Box of Russian Folk Sayings". The street connects the drama theater and other cultural institutions. Its name is linked to an ancient road direction towards Moscow. The main part of the street has been transformed into a pedestrian zone resembling Moscow's "Arbat".
Uspensky Cathedral
Penza, Zakharova St, 6
Uspensky Cathedral in Penza was built in the traditions of ancient Russian architecture. It is situated on the Mironositskoe Cemetery of the city. During the period from 2000 to 2021, the relics of St. Innocent of Penza were kept in the church. Cathedrals' iconostases were created between 1950 and 1953. The building stands out for its solemn architectural appearance and monumentality. The temple operates as a Orthodox church and is located at Zaharova Street, 6.
Fountain Square
Penza, Fontannaya Sq
Fountain Square in Penza is a popular public space in the city center. It features benches, swings and small architectural forms for comfortable rest of residents and visitors. Main attractions include a light-and-music fountain creating bright visual accent, and well-groomed area with convenient pedestrian routes. The square is conveniently situated between streets of Moskovskaya, Kirova and Gorkogo, being part of Penza's historical center.
Archangel Mikhail Church-Shrine
Penza, Pobedy Sq, 1
The Church-Shrine of Archangel Mikhail is located on Victory Square in Penza. It was built in 2000 to commemorate the 55th anniversary of victory and is part of the memorial ensemble of this square. The project was carried out by local architects under the guidance of Victor Gerasimov. The shrine belongs to the city's Orthodox religious structures.
Meierhold Centre for Theatrical Arts
Penza, Volodarskogo St, 59
The Center for Theater Arts "Meierkhold House" is situated in Penza at Volodarskogo Street, 59. Here, the first worldwide monument to the outstanding director was unveiled in 1999. Since 2003, the institution has been named after Meierkhold and operates as a museum showcasing his life and work. The center also stages performances, organizes lectures and museum tours, developing the project "Doctor Dapertutto Theatre".
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