Permyak Salty Ears

"Permyak Salted Ears" is not just a sculpture, but one of the key and most recognizable tourist attractions located in the heart of Perm, Russia. This original genre composition has become a true symbol of the city, and its image often adorns souvenirs and postcards dedicated to Perm.

The composition consists of two elements: a bronze figure of a photographer with a camera on a tripod and a separate circular frame with large ears. This photo-stand-in frame allows everyone to try on the "salted ears" and take a funny souvenir photo, making the monument particularly attractive to city visitors.

The sculpture is about two meters high and is notable for the absence of any pedestal or podium, making it accessible and "close to the people." A few years ago, the magazine "Russkiy Mir" even named "Permyak Salted Ears" the strangest monument in Russia, which only fuels tourist interest and makes it a must-see on any Perm itinerary.

The "Permyak Salted Ears" monument is a famous and beloved sculpture in Perm. Since it is a public outdoor art object, it does not have specific contact information like a phone number or email address.

To visit this original attraction, you should head to the central part of Perm. The exact location is usually indicated on city tourist maps, in guides, or can be easily found using online maps and navigation apps.

The main reason tourists and locals come to the "Permyak Salted Ears" monument is, of course, the chance to take a funny photo. Next to the bronze figure of an old-fashioned photographer, there is a special photo frame with large ears. Visitors enjoy placing their faces in this frame to "try on" the famous ears and capture themselves as a real Permian. This fun activity creates an original souvenir of a visit to Perm.

Besides the photo-taking process, visitors can examine the details of the sculptural composition: the figure of the vintage-looking photographer and the ear-frame itself. The "Permyak Salted Ears" monument is also a landmark object of the city's infrastructure. It serves as the starting point for the popular "Green Line" walking route, which passes through the main attractions of Perm. Thus, a visit to the "Ears" can be a great start for getting to know the city and its history.

Finding the famous "Permyak Salted Ears" urban sculpture is easy. It is located in the heart of Perm, on the busy Komsomolsky Avenue, next to the Prikamye Hotel at 27 Komsomolsky Avenue. Thanks to its size—about two meters high—and its convenient location, the monument is quite visible, and you will surely spot it while walking along the city's main street.

You can reach the attraction by public transport. If you prefer the bus, routes 10, 14, 33, 41, 50, 60, or 68 will take you there. You need to get off at the "TSUM" stop. From there, the sculpture is only about a 100-meter walk away.

Trams are also convenient. You'll need routes 4, 7, or 11, which run along Lenina Street. Get off at the "TSUM" stop as well. Alternatively, you can always take a taxi—just tell the driver the address of the Prikamye Hotel (27 Komsomolsky Avenue), and they will take you right to the destination.

The "Permyak Salted Ears" monument in Perm is more than just a funny urban sculpture; it's a tribute to the region's history and traditions. Its origin is inextricably linked to the nickname "Permyak Salted Ears," which is believed to have become a popular expression back in the 15th century. At that time, the Perm region was famous for its salt industry, and this nickname stuck to the workers who carried large bags of salt on their shoulders.

Why exactly "salted ears"? The answer lies in the harsh working conditions of the salt workers. Salt constantly spilled from the bags they carried onto their ears. It would soak into the skin, causing irritation, allergic reactions, and inflammation. As a result, workers' ears often became swollen, large, and red. This characteristic feature of their appearance became the basis for the clever nickname, which eventually became one of the unofficial symbols of the residents of Perm.

The idea of bringing this historical image to life as a genre sculpture belongs to Rustam Ismagilov, who served as its author. Sculptor Alexey Matveev also participated in the creation of the monument. The composition was officially unveiled in 2006 and quickly gained popularity among both locals and visitors. An interesting fact: the first person to take a photo at the new art object was the then city manager of Perm, Igor Shubin, highlighting the monument's significance to the urban space.

A visit to the famous Perm monument "Permyak Salted Ears" usually doesn't take much time. It is an original and funny sculptural composition that serves more as a photo spot and city symbol than a large object for long study. Most tourists spend between 15 to 30 minutes here.

Most of the time is spent taking a few photos, trying on the "salted ears," and capturing the moment. If you arrive during a busy time, you might have to wait in line for a photo. However, even then, visits rarely last long.

If you are planning a walk through the center of Perm, "Permyak Salted Ears" will be an excellent, short, and memorable stop on your itinerary. It’s easy to combine with other nearby attractions without needing to set aside much dedicated time.

The "Permyak Salted Ears" monument is one of the hallmarks of Perm and is a sculptural composition available for viewing at any time of day. Since it is a public work of art installed outdoors, it has no specific opening hours, and no prior booking or ticket purchase is required. You can walk up to the monument and take a photo with it at any time that is convenient for you.

Access to the "Permyak Salted Ears" attraction is open year-round, allowing tourists and residents to enjoy this original art object regardless of the season. It has become a popular photo spot and a symbol of the city, so we recommend including it in your itinerary when visiting Perm.

Visiting the famous "Permyak Salted Ears" sculpture is undoubtedly a highlight of your trip to Perm. However, to make your experience even richer and more complete, it is worth paying attention to what is in the immediate vicinity. Exploring the surroundings will allow you to dive deeper into the city's atmosphere, discover new interesting places, and perhaps find something unexpected and memorable.

Often, it's the short walks through neighboring streets or visits to nearby establishments that help you better understand the character of the city and its residents. Near "Permyak Salted Ears," you'll find many other attractions, cafes, and cultural sites that deserve your attention. Below is a list of some of them, along with their distances.