Kazan's Lenin museum reopens after large reconstruction

he Kazan’s Lenin museum, built in 1937, opened earlier in the day after a lengthy reconstruction. Distinguished visitors at the ceremony were acting Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov, Russian Communist Party Central Committee Chairman Gennady Zyuganov, Tatarstan Culture Minister Airat Sibagatullin, and others.

The museum is one of the oldest in Kazan and a significant culture monument commemorating one of the 20th century world’s most prominent political leaders in his younger years.

The reconstruction that lasted four years has allowed to conserve the piece of wooden urban mansion architecture of the 19th century’s second half. The Ulianov family lived in Orlova mansion’s two-storey extension between September 1888 and early May 1889. The phased work has resulted in the restoration and major renovation of the main building.

For the first time in many years, the exhibits were restored as well, allowing to preserve the memorial rooms’ unique atmosphere. The interiors, reproduced in the Soviet era with the help of family members’ recollections, have been added with new pieces, making the picture of the Ulianov family’s everyday life more complete.

Museum’s director Tatiana Basova said the museum had never been closed for visitors, except during the restoration period.

Following the tour, Gennady Zyuganov and Rustam Minnikhanov shared their impressions with reporters.

“It is a unique building,” Gennady Zyuganov said.

He then thanked Tatarstan authorities and Rustam Minnikhanov for the work done in Tatarstan to restore historical monuments.

History should be treated with care, Rustam Minnikhanov responded, saying many mistakes had been made in Kazan, resulting in valuable buildings being lost.

From Saturday, the Lenin museum will be available for visiting for general public.