Petya und Gavrik Sculpture, Odessa

The Petya und Gavrik Sculpture in Odessa pays tribute to two beloved characters from the literary world of Valentin Kataev, whose 1930s novel The Lonely White Sail became a classic of Soviet-era children’s literature. Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Odessa, Kataev’s story follows two boys—Petya Bachei, naïve and curious, and Gavrik Chernoivanenko, streetwise and fearless—as they stumble into revolutionary events far bigger than themselves. The sculpture captures this youthful spirit, reflecting how deeply these fictional characters became embedded in Odessa’s cultural memory.

Unveiled in 1988, it is situated on Vira Kholodna Square, close to the Transfiguration Cathedral. The sculptor portrayed the two boys mid-stride, as if navigating the city’s crowded streets and seaside paths. Their gestures suggest a moment of shared discovery, referencing the adventurous tone of Kataev’s narrative. This approach gives the sculpture a sense of movement, drawing passersby into the story it represents.

The monument’s placement along a popular pedestrian route makes it a familiar stop for visitors exploring Odessa’s waterfront. Its approachable scale invites interaction, and many tourists pause for a photo with the two literary companions. The sculpture also offers a glimpse into how Odessa honours its writers and the characters that shaped local imagination, blending literature, history, and public art into a single emotional landmark.

For those unfamiliar with The Lonely White Sail, the sculpture serves as an introduction to a work that captured the atmosphere of pre-revolutionary Odessa. For others, it is a nostalgic reminder of school readings and childhood adventures. In both cases, the scene evokes the city’s storytelling tradition and adds a touch of narrative charm to a walk along the shore.