Living symbol of Almaty's theatrical history -
Modern monuments to prominent cultural figures of Kazakhstan -
The monument to Yuri Pomerantsev is a tribute to one of the greatest actors in Kazakhstan, a man who served the theater for almost eight decades, completely devoting himself to the stage. His sculpture reminds the residents of Almaty and the guests of the city of a personality whose voice, playing style and incredible creative energy have become part of the cultural memory of the country.
The monument is located in Almaty next to the Lermontov Russian Drama Theater, the stage where Pomerantsev spent his entire professional life. It was here that he created dozens of roles that became classics of Kazakhstani theater, and the actor himself became the epitome of skill, intelligence and sincere service to art.
The history of the monument's creation
The monument was erected in 2023, a year after the departure of the great actor. The initiator was the staff of the Russian Drama Theater, and the project was supported by the Ministry of Culture and the Akimat of Almaty.
The sculptor is the famous Kazakhstani master Nurlan Dalbai.
He created an image that captures the actor's characteristic gentle humor and benevolence. The prototype was the hero of the film "Our dear Doctor", thanks to which Pomerantsev became especially close to the audience.
The monument is a bronze figure of an actor, depicted in full height, 2.5 meters high, in a light, free pose, as if before the start of a rehearsal. In his left hand he holds a book, a symbol of his deep intellect and love of literature. He holds an umbrella in his right hand and uses it as a walking stick. The sculptor intentionally left the composition light and open so that passersby could feel the artist's lively presence.
A slight tilt of the head and a calm smile convey the character of Pomerantsev – a kind, attentive, sensitive person. A small granite pedestal with the actor's name does not distract the eye – the focus is entirely on the personality, its energy and character.
Yuri Pomerantsev – The Epoch Man
Yuri Borisovich Pomerantsev (1923-2022) – People's Artist of the USSR, teacher, director, one of the most recognizable actors in Central Asia. He was born in Kiev, went through the difficult years of the war, survived the evacuation, and then arrived in Kazakhstan, where his fate in art began. He began his stage life in 1943 and joined the troupe of the Lermontov Theater in 1954, where he played more than 300 roles.
His roles were characterized by incredible depth, character, and inner honesty. He played kings and beggars, classical and modern characters, dramatic and comedic characters. The audience knew him from the films "Our dear Doctor", "Homeland of Soldiers", "Dinara" and dozens of other films included in the golden fund of cinema.
Pomerantsev lived for almost 100 years, and until his last day he remained an active, curious and truly in love with life person. For his contribution to culture, he was awarded many prizes, among them the highest state awards of Kazakhstan and the USSR.
Architectural environment
The monument is located at the entrance to the Lermontov Theater, where Pomerantsev spent most of his professional life. The square around it is designed so that the sculpture becomes part of the cultural space: benches, trees, soft lighting and a calm atmosphere create the feeling of a theater courtyard.
In the evening, the monument looks especially expressive – it seems that the actor has just left the play to get some fresh air.
Creative path and legacy
Pomerantsev played hundreds of roles, including:
– Dr. Lavrov ("Our Dear Doctor")
– General Vlasov ("Homeland of Soldiers")
– Firs ("The Cherry Orchard")
– Ivan Petrovich ("Humiliated and Insulted")
– Ivan the Terrible, Abai, Don Miguel de Cervantes
He has almost reached a century – the actor died in 2022, but his contribution to the culture of Kazakhstan remains enormous.
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How to get there and visit
The monument to Yuri Pomerantsev is located in Almaty on the square in front of the Lermontov Theater on Abai Avenue, corner of Abylai Khan Street, Almaly district, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 43°14'33"N 76°56'39"E
The theater where the monument is located has excellent transport accessibility. You can get there by car, taxi or public transport – buses No. 3 (night), 57, 65, 66, 79, 99, 118, 120, 128 and trolleybuses No. 11, 19, 25. The nearest metro station "Abaya" is just 500 meters away on foot.
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Legend
A warm tradition was quickly associated with the monument: they say that if you touch a book in the hands of an actor before a creative performance, he will "pass on his luck." And in the early morning, the sculpture seems to come to life – the sunlight on the bronze face creates a feeling of a slight smile, as if Pomerantsev himself greets passersby.
Citizens come to the monument before premieres, exams, and important events – they believe that it gives inspiration, confidence, and clarity of thought.
The Pomerantsev Monument is a rare type of landmark that speaks not about power or war, but about the power of art and human charm. Visiting this place allows you not only to "tick off" the list of things you have seen, but to feel the atmosphere of the Almaty intelligentsia, its love of culture and respect for its history. It is a place of silence, reflection and beautiful photos in one of the coziest corners of the southern capital.
The following attractions are nearby:
• Kazakh National Agrarian University;
• Zhetysu Fountain;
• Tulebaev Street;
• Monument "Dawn of Freedom";
• Akimat of Almaty;
• Republic Square;
• Independence Monument;
• National Library of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
