The Lenin Mausoleum

The Lenin Mausoleum is located in the city center, at the Red Square. Rumor has it that the most modern mummy in the world is situated there, which is the embalmed body of Vladimir Ilych Lenin, lying in a step pyramid built from red granite and black labradorite.

Vladimir Lenin, or “The Father of the Revolution” as he is often refered to, died on 21^st January, 1924. Even though his last wish was to be buried as everyone else, the newly-established communist government allegedly received over 10 thousand telegrams, where the people wished for Lenin’s body to be preserved and displayed for the coming generations to behold. To answer the pleas of the people, the construction of the mausoleum started in order for Lenin’s body to be displayed. The mausoleum was completed in 1930, and Lenin’s body was moved only once, when it was relocated to Siberia because of the threat of German invasion in World War Two.

In March, 1945, a covert operation, codenamed “Objekt number 1”, was carried out, with the goal of moving Lenin’s body from Siberia back to the mausoleum. In order to preserve Lenin’s body, a team of scientists tasked with his embalming (Ilya Zbarsky and his son, Boris Zbarsky) dedicated themselves to the best possible conservation of the body of the great leader of the revolution.

• Today, Lenin’s body is kept in strictly designated conditions.
• The casket is kept at a constant temperature of 16°C.
• Humidity is kept at 80-90%
• Every week, special measures are taken in order to prevent the appearance of fungus on Lenin’s skin.
• The body is washed in a mixture of glycerin and potassium every year. The process can last up to a month.
• Lenin’s clothes are washed once a year, and he gets changed every three years.
• Each visitor can stand next to the casket for a maximum of five minutes. Only small groups can enter at a time.