PHOTO: the bust-monument of Emperor Nicholas II installed
on the grounds of Tomsk Polytechnic University

On 19th May 2026 – a new bust-monument of Emperor Nicholas II was unveiled and consecrated on the grounds of Polytechnic University (TPU) in the historic Siberian city of Tomsk. The installation of the monument is timed to the 158th anniversary of the birth of Russia’s last Tsar.

Recall that while Tsesarevich, the future Emperor Nicholas II visited Tomsk during his Eastern Journey in 1891. And it was Nicholas II who established the first technological institute in Tomsk beyond the Urals – the current Tomsk Polytechnic University.

The rite of consecration of the monument to Nicholas II was served by Metropolitan Rostislav of Tomsk and Asinovsky. The event was attended by the Governor of the Tomsk Region Vladimir Mazur, local government officials, members of the clergy, university staff, students and local residents.

PHOTO: the bust-monument of Emperor Nicholas II installed
on the grounds of Tomsk Polytechnic University

Founded in 1604, Tomsk is one of the oldest cities in Siberia. It has six universities, with over 100,000 students, including Tomsk State University, the oldest university in Siberia.

TPU was founded by the Ministry of National Education of the Russian Empire in 1896 as Tomsk Technological Institute of Emperor Nicholas II. In 1917, the institute was renamed into Tomsk Technological Institute.. 

Last week, workers cut down two large pruned poplars and several damaged weeds that did not survive the winter, to make way for the new bust-monument and pedestal. There are also plans to carry out cosmetic repairs of the façade of the building.

Once the bust-monument has been installed, the area surrounding the composition will be landscaped with large shrubs. In addition, four benches will be installed for students and residents to relax while admiring the bronze memorial to Russia’s last Tsar.

The rite of consecration of the monument to Nicholas II was
served by Metropolitan Rostislav of Tomsk and Asinovsky

Since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, more than 100 monuments, sculptures, busts and memorial plaques to Nicholas II have been installed in cities and towns across the Russian Federation.

© Paul Gilbert. 19 May 2026