Moscow, May 30
Lenin's Mausoleum, the iconic structure from whose rostrum generations of Soviet and Russian leaders have inspected parades on the sprawling Red Square, is set to get a $250,000 makeover as several parts of the building require urgent repair, reports said.
Russia’s Ministry of Culture has signed a 20 million rubles (approx $250,000) contract to restore the mausoleum, where Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin's embalmed body is on display, as an inspection reported several parts are crumbling and some have mould building up due to inadequate ventilation, RT reported, citing the tender records.
The restoration will address structural damage and update the site for modern use, as per the project documents. Work is expected to be completed by mid-2027.
One of the most recognisable landmarks in Russia, the red granite and black labradorite structure, which was built in 1929-30, has undergone regular maintenance and has been closed on several occasions in recent years, including for public events.
As per RT, Lenin remains a divisive figure in Russian history. While some view him as a visionary who led the 1917 October Revolution to establish a fairer society, others regard him as a tyrant responsible for mass repression and death.
The revolution sparked a civil war, after which Lenin's Bolsheviks consolidated control over much of the Tsarist Russian Empire. These territories were united in 1922 to form the Soviet Union. Lenin died two years later, in 1924, and his body has remained on public display since then.
The RT also cited a 2024 poll by the Russian Public Opinion Research Centre (VCIOM), where one-third of respondents support keeping Lenin in his mausoleum. However, thirty per cent favour an immediate burial, while 27 per cent believe that a reburial should be conducted only if it would not cause controversy.
Debates over the fate of Lenin’s body crop up time to time. While some public figures have called for burial and alternative uses of the site, officials have consistently stated there are no current plans to rebury him.
In 2021, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the regime had no plans to relocate the iconic revolutionary's remains.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Interesting to see Russia maintaining its Soviet-era legacy. In India, we've moved Nehru's memorial from Rajghat to a museum - perhaps Russia could consider something similar? History should be preserved but not worshipped blindly. 🇮🇳
$250,000 seems like a lot for renovating a tomb! With Russia's economy struggling due to sanctions, maybe this money could be better spent elsewhere? Just saying... 🤔
As someone who visited Red Square last year, Lenin's mausoleum is indeed an architectural marvel. The black and red stone work is stunning. Good they're preserving it - it's part of world history now, regardless of political views.
The debate about Lenin reminds me of our own discussions about colonial-era statues in India. History is complicated - do we erase it or learn from it? Maybe Russia needs this physical reminder of its past to avoid repeating mistakes.
Honestly surprised Lenin's body is still preserved after 100 years! The science behind embalming must be incredible. Wonder if our Indian scientists could learn something from this for medical research purposes.
The poll numbers show how divided Russia is about its past. Reminds me of how we Indians debate about British Raj monuments. At the end of the day, these structures become tourist attractions more than political symbols. Maybe that's the best outcome?
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.