Monument to Lenin in Kaluga Square

The monument features a bronze statue of Lenin standing 22 meters tall atop a cylindrical pedestal made of polished red granite. Sculptural groups at the base depict figures representing various segments of Soviet society.

The monument was inaugurated on November 5, 1985, by Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev and ranks among the last major Lenin memorials built in Moscow. It was completed just before the political changes that would reshape the Soviet Union.

The sculptural groups at the base show revolutionary soldiers, workers, and sailors of different nationalities, reflecting how the Soviet state portrayed diverse support for the revolution. These figures remain visible today and offer insight into how ordinary people were commemorated in Soviet monuments.

The site is accessible on foot with open access to the monument from all sides and plenty of space to walk around. Visit during daylight hours to see the polished red granite pedestal and bronze figure clearly.

A relief detail on the back of the monument shows a woman with two children, with one child holding revolutionary newspapers in hand. This subtle element is often overlooked by visitors despite offering insight into how the Soviet state portrayed the spread of ideological messages.

Location: Kaluzhskaya Square

Inception: 1985

Architects: Gleb Makarevich

Made from material: bronze, granite

GPS coordinates: 55.72941,37.61326

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:05