Monument Boris Yakovlevich Chubarov - one of those attractions that often go unnoticed, despite the enormous contribution of the individual to the history of domestic mechanical engineering. Chubarov, whose name is associated with legendary Soviet trucks ZIL and Ural, became not just an engineer, but a symbol of an entire era. His developments are still in use on the roads of the post-Soviet space, and the monument in Moscow is a tribute to the man who changed the face of the USSR automobile industry.
Today the monument is on st. Avtozavodskaya attracts not only history buffs, but also automobile enthusiasts who want to touch the heritage of Soviet engineering. However, few people know the details: why the monument was erected here, what secrets its design hides, and how it relates to the modern realities of the auto industry. In this article we will look at everything: from Chubarov’s biography to practical advice for those who plan to visit the monument.
Interesting fact: the monument was unveiled in 2018 - exactly 100 years after Chubarov began working at the Moscow Automobile Plant (future ZIL). This is not an accident, but a tribute to tradition, emphasizing the connection of times.
Who is Boris Yakovlevich Chubarov: brief biography
Boris Yakovlevich Chubarov (1898–1984) - Soviet designer, chief engineer of ZIL in the 1930s–1950s, under whose leadership iconic truck models were created, including ZIS-5 and ZIL-150. His name became synonymous with reliability: the cars designed by Chubarov were famous for their ease of repair, endurance and adaptation to harsh Russian conditions.
Born into the family of a railway worker, Chubarov was interested in technology since childhood. After graduating Moscow Higher Technical School (MVTU) - now MSTU named after. Bauman - he immediately got into the thick of things: in the 1920s, the USSR was in dire need of its own cars, and the young engineer became one of those who laid the foundation for the domestic automobile industry.
- 📅 1924 — start of work at AMO (future ZIL), where Chubarov participated in the assembly of the first Soviet trucks under license FIAT.
- 🚛 1933 — release ZIS-5, which became the “workhorse” of the USSR for decades. This truck was produced before 1958 - a record for Soviet technology!
- 🏆 1943 — Chubarov receives the Stalin Prize for the development of diesel engines, critical for front-line equipment.
After the war, Chubarov continued to work on civilian and military vehicles, and in the 1950s he switched to teaching, training an entire generation of automotive engineers. His textbooks on truck design were used in universities until the 1990s.
The history of the creation of the monument: from idea to implementation
The idea to perpetuate the memory of Chubarov appeared back in the 1990s, but it was realized only two decades later. The initiators were ZIL veterans and the Moscow Automobile and Highway Institute (MADI), where the engineer taught. The main difficulty was choosing a location: the monument had to be located in a historically significant area associated with the automobile industry.
In the end we settled on st. Avtozavodskaya, 23 — next to the former main building ZIL and a modern technology park. The author of the project was the sculptor Andrey Balashov, known for his works in the style of socialist realism with a modern twist. The opening took place October 15, 2018 in the presence of Chubarov’s descendants and the Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation.
⚠️ Attention: A quote from Chubarov is engraved on the pedestal of the monument: "A car should be as simple as an ax and as reliable as a tank". This phrase has become the motto for many domestic auto designers.
An interesting detail: to create the sculpture they used bronze with nickel added - an alloy that imitates the patina of old Soviet cars. And a capsule with drawings was placed at the base of the monument ZIS-5 and letters from plant veterans.
Design and symbolism of the monument: what is hidden in the details
The monument to Chubarov is not just the figure of an engineer, but complex composition, reflecting his contribution to the auto industry. Sculpture height - 2.5 meters, and the total weight with the pedestal exceeds 3 tons. Let's look at the key elements:
- 👔 Figure of Chubarova — the engineer is depicted in a working pose: in one hand he holds a drawing, and with the other he leans on the model ZIS-5. The face conveys concentration and confidence.
- ⚙️ Pedestal - stylized as gear, symbolizing mechanics and industry. Key dates in the designer’s life are engraved on it.
- 🚚 Bas-reliefs — on the sides of the pedestal there are three bas-reliefs: assembly ZIS-5, military equipment from the Second World War and a modern truck Ural (model Next).
Attracts special attention truck layout at the feet of the sculpture is an exact copy ZIS-5 in scale 1:10, cast from the same alloy. On its side you can see the inscription "ZIS-5 1933" — year of start of mass production.
The color scheme of the monument is also not accidental: the dark green patina of bronze recalls military trucks, and polished details symbolize technological progress.
| Monument element | Symbolic meaning | Material |
|---|---|---|
| Figure of Chubarov | Work and dedication | Bronze with nickel |
| Gear pedestal | Industrial progress | Granite and metal |
| Bas-reliefs | Evolution of the auto industry | Bronze |
| Layout of ZIS-5 | Legacy and continuity | Bronze alloy |
If you look closely at the bas-relief with Ural Next, you can see the barely visible inscription "B.Ya.Ch." — the initials of the designer, hidden by the designer as a tribute to him.
Where is the monument and how to get to it
The monument is located at: Moscow, st. Avtozavodskaya, 23, opposite the territory of the former ZIL. This is the area Danilovsky, within walking distance from the metro station "Avtozavodskaya" (Zamoskvoretskaya line). Exact coordinates for the navigator: 55.7061° N. latitude, 37.6563° east. d..
How to get there:
- 🚇 By metro: to the Avtozavodskaya station, then 7 minutes walk along the street. Avtozavodskaya towards the technopark.
- 🚌 By bus: routes
No. 954, No. T67to the stop "Ulitsa Avtozavodskaya, 23". - 🚗 By car: along the Third Transport Ring (TTK), exit on the street. Avtozavodskaya. There is paid parking nearby (
Parking "Technopark ZIL").
The monument is located in pedestrian zone, so you can’t get close by car. The nearest free parking is at the shopping center "Riviera" (5 minutes walk).
⚠️ Attention: The area around the monument is equipped with video surveillance. It is not recommended to park on the lawn or in unauthorized places - fines are issued here actively (from 3,000 rubles).
For those who plan to combine a visit with an excursion, the following are located nearby:
- ZIL Museum (Avtozavodskaya St., 21) - exposition of Soviet trucks;
- Technopark "ZIL" — modern production facilities;
- Park "ZIL" — a recreation area overlooking the Moscow River.
Monument to Chubarov in the context of the modern automobile industry
At first glance, the monument is dedicated to history, but its meaning is still relevant today. The fact is that the principles laid down by Chubarov - simplicity of design, maintainability, adaptation to local conditions - became the basis for modern domestic trucks, such as Ural Next or KAMAZ-6520.
Now that Russia is reviving the auto industry under sanctions, Chubarov’s experience is again in demand:
- Localization of production: Just like in the 1930s, today the priority is our own components.
- Unification of parts: modern Urals and KAMAZ trucks use common platforms as before ZIS-5 and ZIL-150.
- Military applications: Chubarov’s trucks were the basis of rear logistics in the Second World War, and today Ural-Typhoon performs similar tasks.
In 2023 at ZIL (now LLC "ZIL-Trade") even released limited series of trucks "ZIL-Chubarov", stylized with retro 1950s design, but with modern engines. This is not just a tribute to memory, but a sign that the designer’s ideas live and develop.
The monument to Chubarov is not only a historical symbol, but also a reminder that the domestic auto industry can be competitive based on time-tested principles.
Interesting facts and myths about the monument
Like any landmark, the monument to Chubarov is surrounded by legends. Let's look at the most common ones:
- 🔍 Myth 1: “The monument is made of metal from decommissioned ZILs”
In fact, the bronze was cast on Mytishchi artistic casting plant, and not from melted down cars. However, they actually added to the alloy metal shavings from ZIL workshops - as a symbolic gesture.
- 🕵️ Myth 2: “Chubarov holds a drawing of a tank on the monument”
This is a mistake! The drawing shows diesel engine YaAZ-204 - one of Chubarov’s key developments for post-war trucks.
- 💰 Myth 3: “The monument was financed by Oleg Derpaska”
Funding came from Moscow budget and private donations from ZIL veterans. Derpaska (owner GAS) actually allocated funds for the restoration of the ZIL museum, but had nothing to do with the monument.
And now real fact, unknown to most: laid under the pedestal time capsule, which is planned to be opened in 2048 - to the 150th anniversary of Chubarov. It contains:
- Drawings ZIS-5 on microfilm;
- Letters from plant veterans;
- USB drive with a documentary about the designer;
- Coin denomination 1 ruble 2018 (special edition).
What is written on the back of the pedestal?
The formula is engraved on the back of the pedestal: "P = (N × η) / V" - a simplified expression for calculating engine power, which Chubarov used in his lectures.
Practical guide: how to visit the monument to your advantage
If you are planning to visit the monument, here checklistto make your visit as interesting as possible:
Take photos of the bas-reliefs - they have hidden details|Check the schedule of the ZIL Museum (open from Wednesday to Sunday)|Take a coin with you - there is a souvenir kiosk with ZIS-5 miniatures nearby|If you are coming by car, book parking in advance through the "Moscow Parking" app-->
For car enthusiasts there is route "USSR Auto Industry"which includes:
1. Monument to Chubarov;
2. ZIL Museum (exhibition of trucks from the 1930s to the 1980s);
3. Museum of retro cars on Rogozhsky Val;
4. Monument Andrey Tupolev (to the aircraft designer whose planes were transported by Chubarov’s trucks).
If you are photographing a monument, the best time is morning (9:00–11:00)when the sun illuminates the front part without creating shadows. To photograph details, use macro lens - this is how you can see the engraving on the pedestal.
⚠️ Attention: In 2026, work is underway around the monument restoration work (it is planned to install lighting and information stands). During the renovation period, access may be limited - check the latest information on the website ZIL Museum.
FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about the monument
Why was the monument installed on the street? Avtozavodskaya?
This is a historical place: it was located here ZIL main building, where Chubarov worked for more than 30 years. In addition, the street is named after the plant, which emphasizes the connection with the auto industry.
Is it possible to touch the monument?
Touching a bronze sculpture is not prohibited, but not recommended — patina (green coating) is sensitive to mechanical stress. Take special care of the bas-reliefs: they were restored in 2022.
Are there cafes or toilets near the monument?
Yes, in 5 minutes walk There is a shopping center "Riviera" (Avtozavodskaya str., 18), where there is a cafe and toilets. There is also a toilet in the ZIL Museum (for a fee, 50 rubles).
Is it true that the monument was “cast from a photograph”?
No, the sculptor Andrei Balashov used plaster model, created on the basis of archival photos and memories of relatives. Chubarov is depicted on the monument at the age of ~50 years - at the peak of his career.
Is it possible to book a tour of the monument?
Yes, the ZIL Museum organizes thematic excursions (cost ~500 rubles per person), which includes a story about Chubarov, inspection of the monument and a visit to the workshops. You can register by phone: +7 (495) 675-35-12.