Lenin’s mausoleum at the Red Square in Moscow

When visiting the Red Square you shouldn’t miss a unique place, which will take you back in time. That’s Lenin’s Mausoleum, a building where there’s only one item displayed: embalmed (preserved) body of Vladimir Lenin, who died in 1924.

Lenin’s mausoleum at the Red Square in Moscow

We’ve seen Lenin in coins, stamps and statues. But there’s a place where you can see the preserved body of the man who led the October Revolution of 1917 as if he were still sleeping. Vladimir Lenin was the first leader of the Soviet state, an important figure during his time. So much, that it seems many wanted him to live forever.

When Lenin died on January 21st 1924, many asked for his body to be preserved. This idea moved the government to first embalm his body in a process that would preserve him for a few years and later to a more elaborate process that has allowed Lenin’s body to be shown to the public until today.

In the center of the Red Square a building that reminds of a small pyramid is open to the public 5 days a week (it’s closed on Monday’s and Fridays) from 10am till 1pm. That’s where he’s resting since the day he died. During the visit, you must show respect, which includes not talking, not smoking or not taking pictures. You’ll have to wait in a line to get inside and once in the Mausoleum you’ll walk by Lenin’s body. You can stand a few seconds in front of the body and afterwards you’ll have to leave. It’s a short visit, free of charge.

Bury Lenin?
Is it right to have a person displayed like a piece of museum instead of giving him a proper burial? That’s a question you may ask yourself at the mausoleum. Many ask the same question and many say it’s high time Lenin rests in a quieter place, like anybody else.

In 2011 the political party United Russia (Единая Россия) launched a website on this topic. You can visithttp://goodbyelenin.ru/ and give your opinio
 

And where’s Lenin’s brain?

It’s not in his head, but somewhere else! When Vladimir Lenin died, his brain was removed for researching purposes. They wanted to find the source of Lenin’s genius,… and they failed. But this ambitious plan gave the opportunity to create a brain research institute in Moscow. 

Lenin’s brain is still there, divided in 30.000 thin layers which have contributed to the research and study of the brain. They say it’s still well preserved and behind three locked doors. Unlike his body, Lenin’s brain can’t be visited.