After the burial of M. I. Kutuzov in the Kazan Cathedral, the emperor Alexander I issued a decree to install monuments to General Field Marshals M. I. Kutuzov and Barclay de Tolly in order to immortalise the victory of Russia in the Patriotic War of 1812. After the lengthy approval procedure, the sculptor B. I. Orlovsky became the author of the monument. The solemn opening of the monuments took place in 1837 to the 25th anniversary of the victory over the army of Bonaparte. Both commanders are depicted trampling damaged French banners.

The figures are distinguished by realism and perfect portrait resemblance to the prototypes. M. I. Kutuzov is depicted in field marshal’s uniform with a sword in his right hand and with a field marshal’s baton in his left hand. On the front side of the pedestal there is an engraved inscription “To the Field Marshal Prince Kutuzov Smolensky 1812”. On the back side of the pedestal there is an inscription – “Sculptor B. Orlovsky”. The height of the bronze figure of the commander is 4 metres, the height of the granite pedestal is 3.5 metres.

During the Great Patriotic War, the monument was not removed from its pedestal and had become the symbol of fortitude and heroism for the residents of Leningrad during the Siege. Fortunately, the monument had got only minor damage and it was soon restored.