History of Russia: Projects of the future monument to Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich displayed in Penza

On October 7 2010 the Penza State Local Lore Museum opened an exhibition displaying projects for the best monument to the Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich Romanov. The contest for most original and expressive projects of a sculpture ensemble, to the full reflecting the image of the Russian Tsar, was announced by the Ministry of Culture and the Archive of Penza Oblast with support of the Oblast Administration and the Ministry of Culture of Russia.

This will be the first monument in Russia erected in honor of the builder of the new Russian statehood, father of Peter the Great. The exposition covers six projects: varying from quite simple, representing small monuments, to impressive architectural projects.

All residents and visitors of the city will have a chance to familiarize themselves with the works and vote in favor of any projects. Voting is also launched on Internet.

Inauguration of the monument to the Tsar Alexei Romanov will become the highlight of functions, marking 350th foundation anniversary of Penza, which is to take place in 2013. The monument is expected to rise in the very city’s heart. It was on the decree of the Tsar Alexei Romanov, later nicknamed "Tishaishy” (“The Quietest, or “The Most Peaceful”) by the people, that the Penza town-fortress was founded for fortification of southern and eastern frontiers of Russia. The town protected the Moscow state from raids of "Wild Fields", brought together and united all the native peoples of Volga region around Moscow.