Monument to Sergei Utochkin, Odessa (must see)

The Monument to Sergei Utochkin on Derybasivska Street pays tribute to one of Odessa’s most energetic early-20th-century figures. Sergei Utochkin (1876–1916) gained recognition as a gifted all-around athlete before becoming one of the first aviators in the Russian Empire. His daring flights, performed at a time when aviation was still experimental and hazardous, drew enormous crowds and helped introduce the city to the excitement of powered flight. Beyond sports and aviation, he also played a role in Odessa’s cultural life, opening one of the city’s earliest cinemas.

Unveiled on September 2, 2001, the bronze sculpture stands in the City Garden, a central and historic green space along the pedestrian stretch of Derybasivska Street. This location is not accidental: it is close to the site of Utochkin’s former “Utoch-kino,” a reminder that he was an innovator both in the air and on the ground. The setting allows visitors to connect his story with the lively heart of Odessa’s cultural district.

The monument, created by sculptor Alexander Tokarev with architectural design by Vladimir Glazyrin, presents Utochkin as a young man launching a paper airplane. This simple gesture captures the spirit of dreaming, experimentation, and curiosity that defined his life. Rather than portraying him as a heroic aviator in full flight gear, the sculpture opts for a quieter, more imaginative moment that highlights his aspirations.

Visitors often pause here to appreciate the statue’s subtle symbolism and approachable scale. Its placement along one of Odessa’s busiest pedestrian routes makes it a popular landmark for photographs and a natural stopping point during a stroll. The monument serves as both a tribute to Utochkin’s achievements and a reminder of the city’s long relationship with innovation and cultural creativity.