Welcome to Volgograd, Russia, where you can visit the Barmaley Fountain, officially named Children's Khorovod. The monument features a statue of a circle of six children dancing a traditional khorovod around a crocodile. Inspired by Korney Chukovsky's 1925 fairy tale poem Barmaley—where a vicious African villain is swallowed by a gorilla-summoned crocodile before promising to become a kind baker—the original fountain was likely installed during the 1930s.
Designed alongside Soviet outdoor architectural works by sculptor Romuald Iodko, the fountain became internationally famous in August 1942 through Emmanuil Evzerikhin's striking photographs, which juxtaposed the playing children with the carnage of the Battle of Stalingrad. Though restored after World War II and eventually removed in the 1950s, two modern replicas were installed in 2013 for modern visitors to appreciate. Pop culture enthusiasts will recognize the fountain's iconic imagery from its features in films like Enemy at the Gates, Stalingrad, V for Vendetta, and A Clockwork Orange, as well as video games such as Commandos and Company of Heroes 2.
You should visit to experience a profound piece of history that even inspired Edith Segal's 1943 Carnegie Hall choreographed work, The Magic Fountain.
What to see at Barmaley Fountain
- Statue of six children dancing the khorovod around a crocodile
- Two detailed 2013 replicas replacing the 1930s original design
- Fountain famous for contrasting child's play with WWII battle carnage
- Iconic monument featured in films like Enemy at the Gates and Stalingrad
Visiting tips
Take time to look closely at the design to spot how it reflects Korney Chukovsky's famous 1925 children's poem.
How long: 30-60 minutes · Best time: Daytime
How to get there & what’s nearby
Barmaley Fountain is easy to reach on Volgograd’s public transport. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Volgograd travel guide.
See the full Volgograd travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.