The fountain depicting Princess Turandot at the Vakhtangov Theatre in Moscow has again suffered damage after vandals climbed onto it a day earlier. A potential safeguard discussed by the theatre’s director involves installing a protective grill around the sculpture to limit access and protect the work of the artists who created the piece.
According to the theatre’s leadership, if the sculptural composition were part of the property, organizers would have already placed a wrought-iron barrier around the perimeter in the style of celebrated sculptor Alexander Burganov. The aim would be to deter would-be trespassers who use the monument as a playground and make it difficult for pedestrians to approach the kingless, fashionable crowd that often gathers nearby, or so the director suggested.
The cultural institution’s head also noted that a criminal complaint has been filed with the police against those responsible for the vandalism. In addition to two incidents reported in September, the statue has endured prior attacks, underscoring ongoing concerns about its vulnerability and the ease with which it can be accessed by the public.
Reflecting on a broader pattern, the director recalled several past episodes in which the fountain was misused. People have waded through the water, washed clothes, and engaged in other improper activities. In earlier incidents, parts of Turandot have been damaged, including an injured finger and a broken fan. These episodes illustrate a recurring problem: the monument remains too accessible, which invites reckless behavior and deliberate harm.
Recently, Yuri Ivankov, the head of Gormost, registered that the project would require a second round of repairs within a month. Drunken passersby reportedly climbed into the fountain and ended up falling, leading to further restoration work. Despite these events, Ivankov indicated that there are no immediate plans to erect a surrounding fence for the monument, leaving the artwork exposed to the elements and to potential new vandalism.
On September 9, a 23-year-old visitor associated with Turandot climbed the monument and fell, suffering a fracture that required hospital treatment. Observers characterized the incident as a lapse in judgment fueled by reckless curiosity. The episode added to a timeline of risky behavior that has marred the installation since its location in a busy urban area.
Earlier reports noted that the monument also sits near other local landmarks, including Troekurovsky Cemetery where related commemorations and openings took place. The ongoing debates surrounding Turandot focus not only on the sculpture’s artistic value but also on the responsibilities of public spaces to protect art and ensure visitor safety. In the face of repeated vandalism, many in the community advocate for practical measures to deter abuse while preserving access to cultural monuments that hold significance for residents and visitors alike.