In the heart of the Ural city of Perm there is a monument called "The Legend of the Perm Bear". Why does the sculpture have such a strange name and who came up with the idea to make such an original monument?
Misconceptions and Facts
It's no secret that ordinary foreign citizens know very little about Russia. Basically, their knowledge is limited to such words as grandmother, balalaika, vodka, Putin. And they are also sure that all Russians go around in hats with earflaps, quilted jackets and at the same time swear loudly.
All the lucky ones who were able to visit the great power had a chance to know the real life of the Russian people, but in the public understanding the myth has taken root for a long time and for a long time. The same Americans are sure that bears are calmly roaming the streets of Russian cities.
The first version of "The Legend of the Perm Bear"
It was this delusion that prompted the sculptor Vladimir Pavlenko to make a monument to the symbol of Russia. It is noteworthy that the owner of the Siberian taiga is depicted on the coat of arms of the city. According to Catherine II, the majestic beast best described the inhabitants of the city of Perm.
"Legend of the Permbear" turned out to be a large sculpture made of solid stone. Mikhailo Potapych weighed 2.5 tons and looked very solid, as befits such a majestic animal. In September 2006, the official opening of the monument took place. It was located on Lenin Street, not far from the Perm Regional Philharmonic. The townspeople were imbued with the warmest feelings for the bear and even brought him sweet treats. Almost every native and guest of the city wanted to take a picture with the "Legend of the Perm Bear"
Moving
In October 2008, the monument was removed, and in June the townspeople saw their favorite in another place. "The Legend of the Perm Bear" was installed opposite the Central Department Store. The new bear was cast in bronze and is more realistic than its predecessor. They decided to keep the pose of the walking bear. A belief immediately appeared among the people that if you rub the nose of a bear, then the wish will certainly come true. In a short time, the dreamers polished not only the nose, but also the ears of the owner of the taiga.
The previous monument stood on the ground. The new bear stands proudly on a concrete pedestal, raising its left paw. This posture implies that Perm's economy is developing dynamically. The bear in a short time has become a symbol of the city and the most popular place for tourists. The handsome brown man brings good luck to everyone who strokes his majestic body. At least 500 people come to shake the paw of the bronze beast every day.
