280
designs
3
finalists
$ 27 446
for making the memorial
The tombstone is extremely minimalist. It consists of three blocks of black granite and a metal inscription with the name ALEXEI NAVALNY, without any additional text.
The first granite block is placed at the base, covering the burial site.
The vertical part of the composition is installed on a horizontal slab, with proportions of either 1/3 or 1/4 of the shorter edge of the base.
The thickness of the vertical blocks is 20 cm.
A textual insert between the blocks, 6.5 cm in height, is made of extremely durable metal—titanium or stainless steel—serving not only a structural load-bearing function but also carrying symbolic meaning. The three-dimensional text of the name, compressed between two granite blocks, is positioned at the eye level of an average-height person (160-165 cm).
The third granite block, slightly more than half the height of the second block, is placed on top of the textual insert.
Although the letters are part of the supporting structure for the upper block, they do not span the entire length and width of the lower stone but are centered, leaving gaps on all sides. This creates a sense of fragility, yet at the same time, resilience.
The proposed design can blend harmoniously into the specific setting of Borisovskoye Cemetery, maintaining scale compatibility with the surrounding graves.
Despite containing nothing more than smooth stone and metal letters, this tombstone is rich in symbolism and invites contemplation on its deeper meaning.
You sent us your designs by 31 January 2025. Alexei’s family chose the three best ideas and we published the finalists on the website so everyone could vote for their favorite.
We announced the winning design on 16 February, the anniversary of the murder of Alexei Navalny.
We need to complete the design project, produce the monument and have it installed. This may take several months and will require financing.
DonateAs soon as everything is ready, we’ll let you know when the memorial will be unveiled.
All donations collected via this site will go towards the creation and installation of the Alexei Navalny memorial.