MOSCOW (AP) — A gigantic sculpture that is one of the most admired examples of Soviet socialist realism is back on view in Moscow after six years of restoration.
The stainless-steel sculpture, called "Worker and Collective Farm Woman," was unveiled Friday in a nighttime ceremony with fireworks attended by thousands.
The 24.5-meter (80-foot) sculpture depicts the two figures striding forward purposefully, their raised arms holding a hammer and sickle to replicate the Communist symbol. The worker’s sash and the woman’s skirt float behind them, as if they were moving at high speed.
The 72-year-old sculpture by Vera Mukhina stands on a new 34.5-meter (112-foot) pedestal, which is to house a museum, at an entrance to the All-Russia Exhibition Center, itself a renowned collection of Stalin-era buildings.
