The monument is located within a park that was formerly known as Alexander Park, named after Tsar Alexander II who planted an oak tree there in 1875.
Taras Shevchenko visited Odesa in 1847, though the monument was erected long after his lifetime to commemorate his cultural legacy.
The park surrounding the monument features the ruins of the Odesa Fortress, constructed in the early 19th century.
The monument acts as a ceremonial gathering point during annual Independence Day celebrations in Odesa.
The Taras Shevchenko Monument in Odesa is a bronze sculpture honoring Ukraine's national poet, situated within the verdant grounds of Taras Shevchenko Central Park of Culture and Leisure. The monument features a contemplative depiction of Shevchenko, crafted to reflect his profound influence on Ukrainian literature and national identity. It serves as a central focal point for local commemorations and cultural events, particularly around the poet's birth and death anniversaries. The statue is positioned on a stone pedestal, integrated into the surrounding landscape design of the city's largest park. As of July 2026, the area remains a primary cultural site, though public accessibility may be influenced by regional security protocols. The site is maintained as part of the broader green space infrastructure of Odesa's historic city center.
From the park path looking toward the monument with the greenery of the park forming the background.
Combine your visit with a walk through the adjacent Langeron Beach area via the park's scenic pathways.
Visit during the early morning to avoid peak pedestrian traffic in the popular park.
Look for the nearby historical wall fragments of the old Odesa Fortress while exploring the park grounds.
Do not mistake the monument for the various other smaller statues of Shevchenko located throughout the city; ensure you are in the central park.
