Monument to Mikhail Bulgakov

On October 19, 2007, the world's first monument to Mikhail Afanasyevich Bulgakov was unveiled in Kyiv. It was in this city that the famous Russian writer was born and spent his youth.

The monument was created by Nikolai Pavlovich Rapai, a distinguished figure in the arts of Ukraine and the oldest sculptor, who worked on the bronze figure for five years. The project was funded by a Kyiv philanthropist and cost at least 70 thousand dollars. The idea to immortalize the writer's memory belongs to the staff of the Kyiv Bulgakov Museum.

The sculpture depicts Bulgakov sitting on a bench, life-sized. The writer is dressed in a suit with a bow tie, his arms crossed over his chest, and one leg thrown over the other. The writer's gaze, slightly sad, is directed forward. Every year on Bulgakov's birthday, readings of his works in different languages take place near the monument.

A linden tree grows above the sculpture, and the empty space on the bench invites passersby to sit and take a photo. Notably, the nose of the monument is polished to a shine; among the residents of Kyiv, there is a belief that if you rub the nose of the mystical writer, your wish will surely come true. This spot is also frequently chosen for meetings by both Bulgakov fans and romantic couples.

The monument is located directly opposite the house-museum of Mikhail Bulgakov, which is at Andriyivskyy Descent, house 13. The writer's family lived in this house for 13 years (interestingly, the number 13 repeats). In Kyiv, the museum is known as the 'Turbin House.' It is here that the events of the novel 'The White Guard' unfold, and the Turbin family was based on Bulgakov's own family members.