Lenin's Mausoleum
Мавзолей Ленина
A red granite mausoleum beneath the Kremlin wall on the west side of Red Square, housing Lenin's body and one of the most symbolic buildings of the Soviet era.
Lenin's Mausoleum was built between 1924 and 1930, designed by Shchusev. Its stepped pyramid form is made of red and black granite, and it houses Lenin's embalmed body. On leaving, visitors walk along the Kremlin wall, passing the graves of Stalin, Brezhnev and other Soviet leaders, as well as the urn niches set into the wall. Entry is free. It is usually open Tuesday to Thursday and Saturday, 10:00–13:00. Visitors queue from the Nikolskaya Tower side and go through security checks. Photography is prohibited, large bags are not allowed, and visitors must remain quiet and men must remove their hats. Opening hours often change due to maintenance or events, so check the official notices before setting out.
Opening hours
Tue–Thu and Sat 10:00–13:00 (frequent last-minute changes)
Nearby sights
- Red Square
- GUM Department Store
- State Historical Museum
- Moscow Kremlin
- Saint Basil's Cathedral
- Moscow Metro
- Alexander Garden & Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
- Nikolskaya Street