Monument
«Gladiator Spartacus»
In the heart of Moscow, there is a modern architectural masterpiece that reflects the influence of postmodernism on art and architecture – the monument to the legendary gladiator Spartak. This impressive structure stands at the entrance to Otkrytie Arena, the home stadium of the football club Spartak. The stadium itself is a testament to modern architecture, having been built in 2014 on the site of the former Tushino airfield. It was recently recognized as the best stadium in Russia in 2018. The monument, dedicated to Spartak’s legacy, stands as a symbol of the importance of sport in Russian culture. Raffaello Giovagnoli’s novel about Spartacus, published in the 19th century, was highly appreciated by Giuseppe Garibaldi. In a letter to the author, he expressed the hope that the memory of heroes like Spartacus would be preserved in a world where there would be no more oppressors. These words reflect his ideas about the struggle for freedom and justice that formed the basis for the image of Spartacus as a hero who rebelled against oppression. The novel gained popularity in Soviet Russia during the 1920s and 30s, reflecting the values of the times. In 1935, this work influenced the choice of the name for the sports society founded in 1922 in the Krasnopresnensky district of Moscow. The name “Spartak” was chosen for a reason: it symbolizes the ancient heroic tradition and corresponds to the ideological goals of that time. It reflects the ideas of courage and freedom, which are important values for the club. The Spartak monument located next to the Otkrytie Arena is a continuation of this tradition. The statue is made in white and red colours, the club’s colours, and depicts a gladiator standing at 25 feet tall. The pedestal is shaped like a soccer ball, also in the club’s colours, with the club logo on it: a white diamond on a red pyramid. This sculpture has elements that symbolize the club and its ideals. It also retains a connection with the ancient heroics that are part of the club’s history.
Address: Moscow, Volokolamsk highway, 69, building 5
