Monument to credit card

Located at the corner of Bankovski alley and Malyshev street in Yekaterinburg, Russia, the Monument to a Credit Card is a unique public art piece unveiled on August 5, 2011. Commissioned by Vuz-Bank to mark its 20th anniversary, this distinctive installation was sculpted by local artist Sergei Belyaev. When you visit the site, you will see a large bas-relief integrated directly into the side of a building, measuring approximately two meters high by one meter wide.

The artwork depicts a hand holding a credit card—a clever tribute to modern commerce. In a nod to financial history, the name engraved on the card is Edward Bellamy, the science fiction author who famously predicted the concept of payment cards in his 1888 novel Looking Backward. Travelers interested in offbeat street art and unusual historical tributes will appreciate this quirky sight.

However, you should note that historical satellite imagery indicates the monument was removed at some point between August 2015 and October 2016, making it an intriguing piece of Yekaterinburg's recent urban history to explore as you walk through the city.

What to see at Monument to credit card

• Bas-relief sculpture measuring two meters high by one meter wide embedded in a building wall
• Initiated by Vuz-Bank to celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2011
• Created by local Yekaterinburg sculptor Sergei Belyaev
• Engraved with the name of sci-fi author Edward Bellamy, who envisioned payment cards in 1888

Visiting tips

Keep in mind that Google Maps imagery indicates the monument was removed between August 2015 and October 2016, so check the corner of Bankovski alley and Malyshev street to see what remains today.

How long: 15-30 minutes · Best time: Daylight hours

How to get there & what’s nearby

Monument to credit card is easy to reach on Yekaterinburg’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Church of All Saints and Trinity Cathedral. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Yekaterinburg travel guide.