The Tree of Freedom

Carved out of a dead oak trunk in the Mikhailovsky Garden by the young self-taught artist Alexander Soloviov, the sculpture was meant to symbolize the liberation of peasants from landlord exploitation. Its three images illustrate the three stages of the Russian peasant’s life – serfdom; struggle against the oppressors; and finally, the celebration of freedom and justice.

Created in 1929, the sculpture had stayed in the garden for 73 years. When Mikhailovsky was closed for restoration in 2003, the Tree of Freedom was divided into three parts, and transferred to the Museum of Political History of Russia. Presently, it can be seen in the courtyard the museum shares with the St. Petersburg Marine Technical University.