Lenin's Mausoleum in Moscow: the history of creation and functioning in our days

To all the residents of the former Soviet Union, and also, perhaps, to most people around the world, one of the main attractions of the Russian capital is Lenin's Mausoleum. Today we propose to learn the history of its creation and the features of functioning in our days.

History

After the death of VI Lenin in 1924, it was decided not to bury him in a traditional way, but to preserve the image of the leader, erecting a mausoleum in the center of the Soviet capital. The first mausoleum was erected in a hurry and was a wooden building consisting of a three-meter deep in the ground with a cube-shaped structure rising above it. A few months later, under the project of architect K. Melnikov, a new wooden mausoleum of Lenin was built, the shape of which corresponds to the modern structure. In 1930, according to the project of the famous Soviet architect A. Shchusev, a stone structure was erected, lined with dark red marble and granite. On both sides tribunes were built, from which members of the Soviet government watched parades and demonstrations taking place on Red Square. Inside is a mourning hall with an area of one thousand square meters, where there is a sarcophagus with Lenin's body. Soviet scientists have developed a unique technology that allows the body of the leader to be kept for many decades.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the question of the expediency of continuing the preservation of Lenin's body was actively raised. However, so far the government of the Russian Federation does not plan to reburial its body, and the mausoleum is functioning as usual.

How the Lenin Mausoleum Works

More recently, this monument-tomb, located in the heart of Moscow - on Red Square - has been renovated, and today it opens its doors again to all comers. Excursions to the mausoleum of Lenin, as well as to other burials of prominent Soviet and Russian figures are completely free and are available from Tuesday to Thursday, and also on weekends from 10 to 13 hours.

As a rule, those wishing to visit this landmark face a rather large queue, often beginning as early as the Alexander Garden. However, do not get upset, because it moves quite quickly, and very soon you will be able to see with your own eyes the body of the leader of the Soviet proletariat.

Rules for visiting the mausoleum

There is a set of rules that you must follow if you want to go inside the mausoleum:

- all visitors need to go through the frame of a metal detector located at the checkpoint near the Nikolskaya Tower ;

- It is forbidden to carry photo and video cameras, as well as telephones, inside the mausoleum. Employees of this institution are vigilant to ensure that no one carries out a photo or video shooting indoors;

- It is forbidden to enter the mausoleum with bags, large metal objects and drinks. All these items must first be handed to a storage room located in the Alexander Garden;

- entering the mausoleum, visitors pass next to the sarcophagus, in which the body of Vladimir Lenin rests. Men must remove their headdress. Women do not need it.