Zurab Tsereteli, the renowned Georgian-Russian sculptor, painter, and architect, passed away in Moscow on April 22, 2025, at the age of 91 due to heart failure.
Born in Tbilisi in 1934, Tsereteli rose to prominence during the Soviet era, becoming known for his monumental and often controversial public artworks. His career included roles such as Art Director for the Soviet Foreign Ministry and Chief Designer for the 1980 Moscow Olympics.
Tsereteli graduated from the Tbilisi Art Academy in 1958, and his remarkable works include the iconic Saint George Monument located at Freedom Square in Tbilisi.
Among his most notable works are the 98-meter-tall Peter the Great statue in Moscow, the “Tear of Grief” monument in New Jersey commemorating the victims of the September 11 attacks, and the Chronicle of Georgia monument in Tbilisi.
Tsereteli served as President of the Russian Academy of Arts from 1997 until his death and was a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador.
