The monument was commissioned as a gift to the city by the local entrepreneur Konstantin Petrenko.
Lyubov Gasford died at the age of 24, leaving behind a local legend about her significant influence on the social life of 19th-century Omsk.
The statue is one of the few in Omsk designed to be physically touched, resulting in a polished surface on the nose and knees due to constant contact.
It is frequently featured in local wedding photography as a symbol of fidelity and youthful memory.
The Lyubochka monument is a bronze sculpture depicting a young woman sitting on a bench, located at the intersection of Lyubinsky Avenue and Karla Libknekhta Street in Omsk. Installed in 1999, the statue commemorates Lyubov Gasford, the young wife of the Governor-General of Western Siberia, Gustav Gasford, who died in the mid-19th century. The sculpture was created by artist Sergey Novaryev and architect Igor Vakhitov as part of the city's 283rd anniversary celebrations. It sits directly on the pavement rather than a pedestal, inviting interaction from passersby. Local tradition holds that rubbing the statue's nose or sitting beside it brings good luck to students and romance-seekers. It serves as one of the most recognizable symbols of Omsk's historical center. The figure is cast in bronze, capturing a contemplative posture that defines the aesthetic of the surrounding Lyubinsky Avenue district.
Sit on the opposite end of the bronze bench to capture a side-profile shot of the statue.
Visit during the early morning to capture photos without crowds.
Combine your visit with a walk along the adjacent Lyubinsky Avenue to see restored 19th-century architecture.
Look for the nearby memorial plaque that provides context on the historical Lyubov Gasford.
Do not mistake it for a generic park bench; be aware it is a bronze memorial that is often surrounded by tourists waiting for a turn to take photos.
Avoid climbing or sitting on the statue's head; sitting on the bench next to the figure is acceptable and encouraged.
