The Slipper Monument in Tomsk: Location and History

• Address: 65 Kirov Avenue, at the entrance to the Hotel Tomsk in Tomsk.
• The monument was created by Tomsk sculptor Oleg Kislytsky.
• It was unveiled on August 25, 2006.
• The sculpture consists of a pair of bronze slippers.
• The inscription “Будьте как дома” means “Make yourself at home.”
• Tomsk lies in the southern part of Siberia.

The monument is right outside the Hotel Tomsk at 65 Kirov Avenue. From Tomsk-I railway station, it makes an easy short stop on the day you arrive or depart. Tomsk lies in southern Siberia; Tomsk and the city’s sights are good options for a walk around town.

Sculptor Oleg Kislytsky came up with the idea from the phrase “Будьте как дома” (“Make yourself at home”): guests should feel welcome and at home. The bronze slippers turn this hospitality into a small, humorous city landmark. The pair sits on a low pedestal by the hotel entrance, inviting visitors to stop for a quick photo.

The sculpture combines an everyday object with a greeting. The words “Make yourself at home” speak directly to hotel guests and passersby, while the slippers make it an easily understood symbol of warmth and welcome. The artist said he began with this phrase and developed the idea for the monument from there. He deliberately chose well-worn, soft slippers as a familiar image of domestic comfort.

Its small size suits its playful character and explains why a visit takes only a few minutes. When taking photos, keep the hotel entrance clear and leave room for guests, staff, and other passersby.

The same hotel is also home to the “Three Bears” sculpture group and the small “Frog Traveler.” The bears were unveiled on May 30, 2014. The frog sculpture was added on September 27, 2013, for International Tourism Day; the Tomsk sculptor created it as a tiny travel-themed figure. Other small monuments around the city explore similar themes, including the Monument to Happiness, the Chekhov Monument, and the Monument to the Beloved.

A walk can combine the sculptures at the hotel with the city’s wooden architecture, university buildings, and museums. In Tomsk, wooden architecture, university buildings, and museums are among the city’s attractions; the city is in Siberia. Depending on their location, other sights in Tomsk can also be combined with a stop at the hotel.

A stop at the hotel entrance is an easy addition to a day exploring the city. If you’re staying near the railway station, you can work the sculpture into your route between your hotel, the station, and the city center. The accommodation options you choose will depend on your arrival and sightseeing plans.

For routes between the station, the hotel, and other destinations in the city, consult the transport and getting-around guide. Preparing for your trip and noting the address in Cyrillic can make it easier to find your way; basic language and communication tips can help when asking for directions or giving an address.

How long are the bronze slippers?

The bronze pair is 32 centimeters long. The sculpture stands on a pedestal at the entrance to the Hotel Tomsk.