On July 31, 2016, a bronze bust of Nicholas II was installed in the Central Park of Culture and Recreation in Kaluga. The idea for the bust came from a group of local residents who raised funds for the project through donations. These funds were sufficient to create the bronze bust and granite pedestal. The sculpture was created by Moscow sculptor Alexander Apollonov and was first presented at the exhibition "The Royal Family, A Path of Love," where over a thousand citizens supported the idea of its installation.

The unveiling of the bust was initially planned for May 19, 2016, the birthday of Nicholas II, but the event was postponed to the day of remembrance for Seraphim of Sarov, whom Nicholas II revered. The tsar had special prayerful relations with this saint, and after a trip to Diveevo, the empress became pregnant with the long-awaited heir, which strengthened Nicholas II's faith in the help of Seraphim of Sarov.

The choice of Kaluga for the installation of the bust is not accidental. In May 1904, Nicholas II visited the city, met with the Kaluga garrison, and sent off the 9th Ingermanland Infantry Regiment, the 10th Novo-Ingermanland Infantry Regiment, and the 3rd Artillery Brigade to the Russo-Japanese War. The bust serves as a reminder of the emperor's visit.

The first monument to this event was laid in Kaluga on June 29, 1907, and opened on July 30, 1908. It was an obelisk made of granite blocks with a bronze double-headed eagle on top. The front side of the obelisk featured the monogram of Nicholas II under a crown, and on the pedestal, plaques with the names of Kaluga officers who went to war. After the Bolsheviks came to power, the monument was destroyed.

The restoration of the monument was discussed before the 400th anniversary of the House of Romanov. There were plans to recreate the obelisk, but this did not succeed. Instead, a simpler bust was installed at the site where Nicholas II visited in 1904. The opening was a solemn event, with the bust consecrated by Metropolitan Kliment of Kaluga and Borovsk, attended by hundreds of people, and concluded with a musical concert.