Friedrich Engels Statue in Manchester: A Soviet-Era Monument Reclaimed
A bold Soviet-era statue honoring Friedrich Engels stands proudly in Manchester, bridging industrial history with modern radical spirit.
The Friedrich Engels Statue stands at Tony Wilson Place, Manchester, commemorating the German philosopher's deep ties to the city where he lived and worked for over 20 years. Originally erected in 1970 in Soviet Ukraine, the 12-foot concrete statue was rescued from abandonment and brought to Manchester in 2017 by artist Phil Collins. It symbolizes Engels’ legacy in social thought and Manchester’s radical history, positioned prominently outside the HOME arts centre in a modern urban setting.
A brief summary to Friedrich Engels Statue
- First St, Manchester, M15 4GU, GB
- Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the statue’s details and the lively atmosphere of Tony Wilson Place.
- Combine your visit with a tour of the nearby HOME arts centre for a rich cultural experience.
- Explore the surrounding First Street area to see how modern Manchester integrates its industrial heritage.
- Look for the traces of blue and yellow paint on the statue, a poignant reminder of its Ukrainian origins.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Tram
Take the Manchester Metrolink tram to Deansgate-Castlefield station, approximately a 10-15 minute ride from central Manchester. The station is a short walk to Tony Wilson Place. Trams run frequently with tickets costing around £2.50-£3.50.
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Train
Arrive at Manchester Oxford Road or Manchester Deansgate train stations, both within 10-15 minutes walking distance to the statue. Trains connect from various UK cities with fares varying by origin.
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Bus
Several bus routes serve the First Street area, including services from Piccadilly Gardens and Manchester city centre. Journey times range from 15 to 25 minutes depending on traffic. Single fares typically cost £2-£3.
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Walking
From Manchester city centre, the statue is about a 20-minute walk along mostly flat, paved streets suitable for most visitors. The route passes through lively urban areas with shops and cafes.
Friedrich Engels Statue location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Friedrich Engels Statue
A Journey from Soviet Ukraine to Manchester’s Urban Core
The Friedrich Engels Statue is a striking 12-foot concrete sculpture originally created in the 1970s during the Soviet era and first installed in Mala Pereschepyna, a village in the Poltava Oblast of Ukraine. Following Ukraine’s 2015 laws banning Soviet symbols, the statue was removed, cut in half, and abandoned in a field. After years of searching, artist Phil Collins located the statue in this neglected state and secured permission to transport it to Manchester, the city where Engels spent much of his adult life. The statue’s journey across Europe became part of an artistic project culminating in its unveiling in 2017 outside the HOME arts centre on Tony Wilson Place, a vibrant public square in Manchester’s city centre.Engels’ Enduring Connection to Manchester’s Industrial Heritage
Friedrich Engels, born in Germany in 1820, was sent to Manchester in 1842 to work in his family’s textile business. His experiences in the city’s industrial environment profoundly shaped his views on capitalism and social inequality. Guided by his partner Mary Burns, Engels witnessed firsthand the harsh living and working conditions of the city’s working class, inspiring his seminal work, The Condition of the Working Class in England. Manchester served as a base for his collaboration with Karl Marx and remains a key location in the history of socialist thought. The statue’s placement in Manchester acknowledges this deep historical and intellectual link.Artistic and Symbolic Significance of the Statue
The statue depicts Engels standing with arms crossed, embodying dignity and resolve. Despite its Soviet origins, the monument has been recontextualized as a symbol of Manchester’s radical past and ongoing social discourse. Traces of blue and yellow paint, the colors of the Ukrainian flag, remain visible on the statue, reflecting its complex history. Positioned amidst the contemporary glass and steel architecture of Tony Wilson Place, the statue creates a powerful dialogue between Manchester’s industrial heritage and its modern identity.Controversy and Community Perspectives
The statue’s Soviet provenance has sparked debate, particularly within Manchester’s Ukrainian community, some of whom view it as a reminder of oppressive regimes. Nonetheless, many locals and activists embrace the statue as a tribute to Engels’ contributions and a focal point for discussions about poverty, inequality, and workers’ rights. The monument has become a gathering place for political events and commemorations, reinforcing its role as a living part of Manchester’s cultural landscape.Location and Visitor Experience
Situated outside the HOME arts centre on First Street, the statue occupies a prominent corner in Manchester’s city centre. The surrounding area combines modern urban development with cultural venues, offering visitors a chance to reflect on the city’s industrial past while enjoying contemporary arts and entertainment. The statue’s presence enriches the public space, inviting contemplation on social history and the ongoing relevance of Engels’ ideas.Legacy and Continuing Relevance
More than a historical monument, the Friedrich Engels Statue in Manchester serves as a reminder of the city’s role in shaping social and economic thought. It highlights the enduring challenges of social justice and the importance of remembering radical histories. Through its evocative presence, the statue encourages visitors to engage with the complexities of industrialization, capitalism, and activism that continue to influence Manchester and beyond.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Friedrich Engels Statue
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A bold Soviet-era statue honoring Friedrich Engels stands proudly in Manchester, bridging industrial history with modern radical spirit.
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Essential places to dine
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
