Description of the attraction
This original monument is one of the monuments in which literary characters or heroes of films are immortalized. As it can be seen from the name itself, the monument is dedicated to the legendary character of the novel “The Golden Calf” by the unforgettable Ilya Ilf and Evgeny Petrov. Moreover, the figure of Mikhail Samuelyevich Panikovsky is located practically in the same place in which (according to the novel) this pickpocket was hunted - just above the intersection of Khreshchatyk and Proriznaya streets. In the sculpture itself, you can easily discern the features of the most talented actor Zinovy Gerdt, who not only skillfully embodied the image of the “great blind” on the screen, but was himself closely connected with the city.
The idea to erect a monument to this character appeared back in the early 90s of the twentieth century, at least then (in 1992) a memorial plaque was hung at the intersection, reminding passers-by that Panikovsky "worked" here. And already in 1998 the memorial plaque grew to a monument. The sculptors Sivko and Shchur became the authors of the monument. The hero of the novel is depicted in his guise of a blind man - a simple suit, a spoon on a chain, dark glasses, a hat, his right hand gropes for the road with a cane, and meanwhile the left hand fumbles in the pockets of a compassionate passer-by who is taking him across the street. At the same time, the monument also contains many small but symbolic details. So, under Panikovsky's left foot, you can see a coin, on which he hurries to step, besides, the most curious can substitute a mirror under his foot and see the reflection of the well-known figure of three fingers. The latter is done on purpose - in this way, everyone who bends down, as it were, pays tribute to the memory of the character.
Today, the monument to Panikovsky is one of the most popular monuments in Kiev, as evidenced by the bouquets of flowers left here.
