Gazing up at this monumental figure, one cannot help but ponder the story of the Lenin Statue. It’s more than just bronze and granite. It represents an era, an ideology and a lasting presence in the cityscape.
The Lenin Statue, specifically the one on Kaluga Square, holds a prominent place in Moscow’s historical tapestry. Unveiled in 1985, it became the last large-scale Lenin monument erected in Russia. This imposing ensemble features an 8.5-meter statue crafted by Lev Kerbel. It stands atop a 13.5-meter pedestal.
This Lenin Statue is not unique in design. It is an original copy of the monument in Birobidzhan, dating back to 1978. The statue’s journey from conception to installation is quite fascinating. The bronze sculpture was meticulously created at the Leningrad factory known as Monument Sculpture.
The pedestal itself is a marvel. The stone monolithic column weighs a staggering 360 tons after its initial treatment. Transporting this behemoth required a cart equipped with 128 wheels. Imagine the logistical challenge of moving such a massive piece through the city.
The unveiling of the Lenin Statue was a significant event. On November 5, 1985, Mikhail Gorbachev, the General Secretary of the CPSU Central Committee, inaugurated the monument. This act underscored the statue’s importance.
The Lenin Statue’s design is full of symbolism. Lenin is depicted in full growth, his gaze fixed on the distance. His coat is unbuttoned. The wind seemingly throws one side back. His right hand is placed inside his jacket.
At the pedestal’s base, a multi-figure composition unfolds. It includes revolutionary soldiers, workers, and sailors representing various nationalities. Above them, a woman embodies the Revolution. Behind the pedestal, a woman with two children represents the revolution’s future. The elder boy clutches revolutionary newspapers in his hand.
There is another Staunch Lenin. The pose Lenin is striking in this statue outside Moscow’s Ploschad Ilicha metro station is not repeated in any other statue of him. The statue by Lithuanian sculptor Gediminas Iokubonis stands at ground level and sets in stone Lenin standing defiantly, with his legs apart and his arms behind his back.
The Lenin Statue on Kaluga Square is the largest Lenin monument in Moscow. Another Lenin Statue in Moscow can be found outside the Luzhniki Stadium.
As we conclude our visit to the Lenin Statue, remember that it is a complex symbol. The Lenin Statue stands as a testament to a bygone era. It invites us to reflect on the ever-evolving narrative of history and ideology in this dynamic city.