Monument to Lenin in front of Smolny, Federal cultural heritage site at Smolny Institute, Russia
The Monument to Lenin in front of Smolny is a bronze figure mounted on a granite base, depicting the subject with one arm raised and the other placed inside his jacket. The entire structure rises to about 10.7 meters, creating a commanding presence in the plaza.
The monument was erected in 1926, commemorating the return from exile in 1917 when influential speeches were delivered at this location. This installation was part of a broader Soviet initiative to shape public spaces with memorials.
The figure represents how a pivotal political moment was translated into public art during the Soviet era. It demonstrates the way that society chose to commemorate revolutionary leadership in a central urban space.
The monument is located opposite the exit of Ploshchad Lenina metro station, making it easy to reach by public transport. Nearby restaurants and hotels provide options if you wish to spend more time in the area.
In 2009 the monument suffered damage from an explosive device but underwent complete restoration afterward. This reconstruction preserved the work's ongoing presence in the urban landscape.
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