Monument
«Rostokinsky Street Cleaner»
In one of the courtyards of Moscow, there is a sculpture dedicated to street cleaners, the humble workers who keep the city clean. The sculpture was created in the style of modern avant-garde and uses non-traditional materials and techniques. The base of the sculpture is made of rusty iron that has been treated with bronze-casting wax and lightly tinted with multi-colored bitumen, giving the figure an antique look and emphasizing its connection to the war. Instead of traditional tools, the sculptors used a welding machine and grinder to create rough but expressive shapes. This work is particularly symbolic in light of the memory of street cleaners’ heroic actions during the Great Patriotic War. During the difficult times of the battle for Moscow, when many public utility workers went to the front or helped to build defensive fortifications, street cleaners remained behind to keep order. They not only cleared the streets of snow and removed debris, but they also helped to alleviate the effects of the bombing and masked buildings, supporting life in the besieged city. Their work was carefully regulated: in winter, each street cleaner was responsible for a certain number of square meters of street and yard, and the numbers increased in summer. The militia carefully checked the candidates, as they not only cleaned, but also kept order. The winter of 1941-1942 was particularly challenging, with record-breaking frosts. But thanks to the street cleaners’ dedicated work, Moscow did not fall into chaos. Their efforts went beyond just cleaning – they became true fighters on the invisible frontline, supporting life in the besieged city. In recognition of their special role, all street cleaners were awarded special badges. Their modest but important daily work has become a symbol of the indomitable spirit of Muscovites and their faith in victory, even during the darkest days of war. The sculpture of “Rostokinsky Street Cleaner” reminds us that, even in the most difficult times, cleanliness and order remain symbols of hope. The modest work of street cleaners has become an integral part of the great history of Moscow’s resilience, and it is a reminder that we should always strive for cleanliness and order in our daily lives.
Address: Moscow, Bazhova St., 2
