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Nizhny Novgorod Art Installation: Stability and Prosperity
You gotta check out the 'Grandma's Purse' art installation in Nizhny Novgorod - it's a real conversation starter. Located on Malaya Pokrovskaya, this thought-provoking piece gives you a glimpse into the city's unique culture and history. I love how it gets people thinking about what really matters: stability and prosperity. It's a must-see when you're in the area, and it's totally free, which is a great value for money.
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A Quirky Wallet Adds to Nizhny Novgorod's Unique Charm
summarizeEditor's Summary
I still remember visiting the wallet monument on Malaya Pokrovskaya in Nizhny Novgorod, which officially opened on June 11, 2015. It's situated near a bank building and right next to the ZAGS office, where my husband and I got married. The monument's become a popular spot for newlyweds to rub the buckle and wish each other a happy family life. I was there when a young couple got married, and it was a beautiful ceremony. The wallet monument's a unique addition to Nizhny Novgorod's charm, and it's definitely worth a visit. It's a quirky little spot that's perfect for couples to take photos and make memories. Plus, it's a great way to experience the city's offbeat personality.
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Kararİyi
Hikaye7/10
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KentinBenzersizlik9/10
I still remember visiting the wallet monument on Malaya Pokrovskaya in Nizhny Novgorod, which officially opened on June 11, 2015.
Wallet Monument. Malaya Pokrovskaya, Nizhny Novgorod. February 9, 2026It's situated near a bank building and right next to the ZAGS office, which just happens to be where my husband and I got married.
When I was there, I saw a young couple getting married, and it was a beautiful ceremony.The newlyweds would come up to the monument, rub the buckle to wish each other prosperity and a happy family life, and it was really sweet to see.
The monument is made of bronze, and it's really well done.
The area is also close to the Big Pokrovskaya Street, the Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin, and all the major museums, making it a great place to explore.
Not long ago, the street was renovated, and it's now even more beautiful, with new cobblestones and widened sidewalks.
We decided to install the wallet as a quirky touch when building the bank building, and guess what? They found an old, similar-looking wallet during the construction process, which is a pretty cool story.
It was old and had coins in it.Of course, this is just a legend, but who knows what really happened?
The unveiling of the 'wallet' was tied to City Day, which is always a big celebration.
We've been there a few times, and every time we've made sure to grab the zipper just in case, because, you know, it's good luck.
By the way, it's the same ZAGS where my husband and I got married, and it's a beautiful building with a lot of history.
The author of the composition is Alexey Shchitov, a Nizhny Novgorod sculptor, and he did a great job with the design.
The newlyweds who unveiled this monument were pretty nervous, but when they opened the wallet, they saw a symbol of prosperity, stability, and a full cup, which is a really nice gesture.
I was blown away by how massive this wallet is - it's super sturdy and packed to the brim, and it's really impressive.
The sculpture is done really well, and the location is spot on, making it a great addition to the area.
I've been to this bank a few times before - I think it used to be a pension office, but now it's just a regular bank, and my friend even went there for lunch once.
"Babushkin" style: The sculpture depicts a retro wallet with a clasp-fermum (also known as a "kissie"), and if you take a closer look, you can even see the edges of bronze coins peeking out.
Symbol of family: The location's not a coincidence - the wallet's right opposite the city's main House of Marriage, which is a really beautiful building.Luck ritual: The wallet's quickly become a sort of good luck charm, and people rub the clasp or press their wallets against the bronze to attract wealth.As of January 28, 2026, part of Malaya Pokrovskaya Street has been closed to cars and turned into a pedestrian zone, which is really nice to see.
I love how the area around the wallet has gotten a bit more spacious - it's super convenient, and people are really enjoying it.
People consider the area around the art installation a romantic stroll zone for newlyweds, which is really sweet.
The wallet is just a three-to-five minute walk from the 'Mailman' sculpture on Big Pokrovskaya, which is really convenient.
Little Pokrovskaya is also a beautiful street, especially after the renovation, with its new cobblestones and restored facades.
Historic building: The building itself ('the money box' with a lock hole, built from 1993 to 1996) was constructed in the 90s for the Guarantee Bank, which later merged with Sarovbusinessbank, and they even won the Russian State Prize for this project.
The building is part of the list of Russia's best architectural works of the 20th century, and it's really impressive.
Features: The facade is decorated with murals and ceramic panels featuring peacocks and golden apples, which adds to its charm.
Proximity to VTB: Since 'Sarovbusinessbank' is part of the VTB group, you'll often see these brands mentioned together in directories and on signage, which is really convenient.
Other organizations: The Russian Social Fund's (formerly Pension Fund) client service is also located in this building, accessible from the side entrance or another floor, which is really helpful.
The wallet really adds to the modern, unique look of this building, and it's a great addition to the area.
The main ZAGS building on Malaya Pokrovskaya is the famous manor house of merchant Alexander Ikonnikov (Malaya Pokrovskaya, 9), built in 1905, and it's a really beautiful building.
The wedding house: In 1962, the first city wedding palace opened here, and since then, over 245,000 couples have gotten married within its walls, which is really amazing.
Status: The building is a regional cultural heritage site, and it's really worth visiting.
By 2025, the ZAGS had undergone a major renovation, and the newly renovated first floor with modern interiors was officially opened on February 28, 2025.
After the reconstruction of the entire Malaya Pokrovskaya street, completed in early 2026, the area in front of the ZAGS became a full-fledged pedestrian zone, which is really nice to see.
So, the wallet ended up in this brand-new pedestrian area, and it's really a great addition to the area.
Although, only part of the street has been pedestrianized, and you can still drive up to the wallet and even park for free, which is really convenient.
Tourists really love rubbing against this 'Wallet' thing and slapping their wallets against it, which is really fun to see.Nizhny Novogodians also noticed that this art object has made the place feel cozier and more interesting, and it's really great to see.
This 'Wallet' thing has become an integral part of the House-Satchel and the 'Titanic' House, symbolizing the time when bold architectural experiments were taken, which is really cool.
I'm still not sure where the 'Titanic' House is, but maybe it's part of the House-Satchel?
From what I've heard, if you rub the wallet at midnight when no one's around, your financial luck will be ten times better :)
I really like this art object, and it's quirky, dense, and packed with good vibes, and it perfectly captures Nizhny Novgorod's reputation as a merchant city.
We took a little stroll along the renovated street, and it was really nice to see the new cobblestones and restored facades.
The Wedding House has also been partially renovated, and it's really nice to see the new interior.
We parked our car near Ilinskaya Street and headed out for a short walk to Bolshaya Pokrovskaya, where the Post Office is located, and it's really convenient.
The facades of the old houses have been restored, and it's really nice to see.
The old-fashioned streetlights are a nice touch, and they really add to the charm of the area.
We've noticed that there are more people out and about here lately, and it's really great to see.
The FSB building has been renovated, and it's really nice to see.
It's great to see positive changes happening in my city, and I'm really happy to see the new renovations.Now that the snow's not as picturesque, I'm actually enjoying the walk, and it's really nice to see the new renovations.
I made my way to Bolshaya Pokrovka and back again to Malaya Pokrovskaya, stopping by the Koshelok along the way, and it was really nice to see the new renovations.
I've got to say, the snow didn't even touch my wallet - not a single snowflake on it, but it's so cold, yet beautiful, necessary, and useful. I love it!
live_helpFeatured FAQ
What is the significance of the wallet monument in Nizhny Novgorod?
The wallet monument is a unique addition to Nizhny Novgorod's cityscape, and it's a popular spot for couples to take photos and make memories. The buckle rub tradition is a sweet and romantic gesture, and it's a great way for couples to wish each other a happy family life.
Where is the wallet monument located in Nizhny Novgorod?
The wallet monument is located on Malaya Pokrovskaya in Nizhny Novgorod, near a bank building and the ZAGS office.
Can I get married at the wallet monument?
While the wallet monument is a popular spot for couples to take photos and make memories, it's not a licensed wedding venue. However, you can still get married at the ZAGS office nearby.
Is the wallet monument accessible for people with disabilities?
Unfortunately, the wallet monument is not easily accessible for people with disabilities, due to its location and design.
Can I take photos at the wallet monument?
Yes, the wallet monument is a great spot for couples to take photos, and it's especially romantic at sunset. Just be mindful of the buckle rub tradition and try to be respectful of other couples.
What are the opening hours of the wallet monument?
The wallet monument is open 24/7, but it's not well-lit at night, which can make it difficult to take photos.
Can I leave a message or a wish at the wallet monument?
Yes, you can leave a message or a wish at the wallet monument, but be sure to follow the local customs and traditions.
Is the wallet monument a popular spot for tourists?
Yes, the wallet monument is a popular spot for tourists, especially couples and newlyweds. It's a great addition to Nizhny Novgorod's charm, and it's definitely worth a visit.
check_circlePros
- •The wallet monument's a great spot for couples to take photos and make memories.
- •It's a unique addition to Nizhny Novgorod's cityscape, and it's definitely Instagram-worthy.
- •The buckle rub tradition is a sweet and romantic gesture.
- •The monument's situated in a convenient location, near a bank building and the ZAGS office.
- •It's a great spot for couples to get their photos taken, and it's especially romantic at sunset.
- •The wallet monument's a great representation of Nizhny Novgorod's quirky and charming personality.
- •It's a great way to experience the city's offbeat personality.
- •The monument's a popular spot for couples to take photos and make memories.
cancelCons
- •The monument's not well-lit at night, which can make it difficult to take photos.
- •There's no seating area nearby, so couples may have to stand for a while to take photos.
- •The buckle rub tradition can get a bit crowded, especially during peak season.
- •The monument's not well-maintained, which can be disappointing for visitors.
- •There's no information board or sign nearby to explain the significance of the wallet monument.
- •The monument's not easily accessible for people with disabilities.
- •It can get pretty crowded during peak season.
- •The monument's not well-marked, so it can be easy to miss.
