The monument is uniquely integrated into the streetscape, functioning as both a tribute and an interactive seating area for passersby.
Ilya Ilf and Yevgeny Petrov were celebrated for creating the character Ostap Bender, arguably the most iconic anti-hero in Soviet literature.
The sculpture was specifically designed to be tactile, encouraging visitors to sit on the chair for photos.
The duo’s writing style was noted for its sharp, observational humor regarding the social absurdities of the early Soviet era.
Odessa frequently features as the spiritual and geographical backdrop in the authors' most popular fictional works.
The Monument to Ilf and Petrov is a bronze sculpture commemorating the Odessa-born authors Ilya Ilf and Yevgeny Petrov, famous for their satirical novels 'The Twelve Chairs' and 'The Little Golden Calf'. Located on Derybasivska Street, the monument features the two writers alongside a representation of the 'twelfth chair' from their most iconic work. It is situated in the heart of the city's main pedestrian thoroughfare, reflecting the cultural legacy of Odessa’s literary history. The installation serves as a popular photo destination for fans of Soviet-era literature and local folklore. It commemorates the duo's collaborative writing partnership which defined 20th-century Russian satirical prose.
Directly sitting on the bronze chair next to the statues.
Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and get a clear photo of the chair without other tourists sitting in it.
Read a synopsis of 'The Twelve Chairs' before your visit to better appreciate the cultural references embedded in the statue.
Do not expect a massive, fenced-in memorial; it is a street-level installation meant to be interacted with, not viewed from a distance.
