The memorial dedicated to the workers of the Dvigatel factory is a historical monument located on the territory of the former factory and carries a multilayered meaning that has changed over time. The monument was built in honour of 380 Dvigatel workers – among them revolutionaries and participants in the Second World War. Originally, both plaques carried texts that highlighted the role of the factory workers in the revolutionary movement and their contribution to warfare. The texts named specific people and emphasised their importance in political and military history.

The memorial consists of two large stone slabs, placed on a flagstone base at a 90-degree angle, forming a strong and monumental spatial composition. Figures are carved into one slab, depicting factory workers, Red Army soldiers and sailors, emphasising the ideology of the revolutionary and workers’ movement. The other slab depicts Soviet soldiers – in coats, helmets and with weapons – referring to military contribution and sacrifice.

In today’s urban environment, the memorial functions rather as a layered historical document – it no longer represents only the ideology of the time of its creation, but also reflects society’s changing attitude towards the past. In 2022, a working group was formed under the Government Office, whose task was to analyse monuments located in Estonia that are connected with Soviet occupation and warfare, and to assess their suitability in public space. In the case of the Dvigatel memorial, it was recommended that the plaques with text be removed and, if possible, the reliefs be preserved. The recommendation was carried out, and in addition the paving of the area was renewed and low landscaping was added. The unique memorial ensemble, rich in layers of meaning, has thereby largely been preserved and continues its ambiguous presence among the other artworks located on the territory of Ülemiste City.