For the 800th anniversary of the city, it was decided to hold a large-scale celebration. Among the planned events was the erection of a new monument in Tverskaya (then Soviet) Square in Moscow.

A year prior, a competition was held to select the architect for the monument to Yuri Dolgoruky, who, according to chronicles, was considered the founder of Moscow. Although it was later revealed that this information was incorrect, the decision was made, and the choice fell on the little-known ceramic and plastic master Orlov S.M.

This decision reflected on the monument: insufficient experience in monumental architecture left a mark in the form of grotesque decorations in the style of ancient Russian architecture.

In honor of the 800th anniversary of the capital, the first stone of the monument was laid, which was presented to the public on June 6, 1954.

The monument was created by sculptor-caster Gavriil Savinsky at the Mytishchi factory named after the people's artist E.F. Belashova. 5.5 million rubles were allocated from the city budget for its creation.

Many Russians did not support the idea of installing a monument to Yuri Dolgoruky in the capital: some considered him "foreign" to Moscow, while others disagreed with the artistic decisions. Over more than half a century, the perception of the monument has changed from negative and ironic to approving.

Due to the lack of images of the Grand Duke of Kyiv, architects created a composite image based on folklore. Yuri Dolgoruky is depicted as a Russian hero in armor on a warhorse, halted and extending a commanding gesture over Russian lands.

The details of the rider's armor are meticulously crafted: carved shoulder pieces on the torso, a helmet with a barma on the head. Special attention is drawn to the details of the horse's harness. In Dolgoruky's left hand is a round shield with an engraving of the ancient coat of arms of Moscow, St. George the Victorious.

The pedestal of the monument is adorned with ornamental carvings inspired by the reliefs of the George Cathedral in Yuriev-Polsky.