Monument to Vera Holodnaya, Odessa

The Monument to Vera Holodnaya on Preobrazhenskaya Street pays tribute to one of the earliest icons of Russian silent cinema. Unveiled in 2003, it stands at No. 25, just steps from the Transfiguration Cathedral, in a part of the city closely connected to Holodnaya’s final months. A small square named in her honour lies only a block away, reinforcing the neighbourhood’s connection to her short but influential legacy.

The bronze sculpture was created by sculptor Alexander Tokarev in collaboration with architect Vladimir Glazyrin. Their design presents Holodnaya with the elegance and poise associated with early film stars, capturing the atmosphere of an era when cinema relied solely on expression, movement, and visual emotion. The monument’s style subtly evokes the world she once dominated, offering a quiet reminder of the artistry that shaped the beginnings of film culture.

Vera Holodnaya, often called the “Queen of the Screen,” was one of the first great stars of Russian film. She arrived in Odessa in 1918, during a turbulent period marked by war and political change. Despite the uncertainty of the time, the city became the setting for her final creative chapter, as well as the final chapter of her life; she died in Odessa in 1919 at the age of twenty-five.

Today, the monument provides a reflective stop for visitors exploring central Odessa. Its location near the cathedral and along one of the city’s main streets makes it easy to encounter, yet its tone remains calm and contemplative. For those interested in cinema history or Odessa’s cultural landscape, it stands as a graceful reminder of a pioneering actress whose stardom helped define an entire era of film.