Russian Utopia: a depository

Lenin Mausoleum (motto: Lenin died, but he lives in the Hearts)
Ustinov P. Lenin Mausoleum (motto: Lenin died, but he lives in the Hearts) 1925

RACDMH

The viewer’s first impression of the mausoleum is of a tall pyramid with steep sides and with parts of two other pyramids directly adjoining onto it.
The construction out of pyramids is an emblematisation of the ascending waves of the national struggle. The tallest central and most prominent pyramid symbolises the final stage in the struggle, victory. The two smaller ones, attached on one of their sides to the main pyramid, symbolise movement out westwards and eastwards respectively.
The general outline of the pyramids’ construction, their angularity and sharp contours signify the ruthlessness and straightforwardness of the struggle, allowing for no movement along broken and circular (roundabout) paths.
The underground hall, serving as the vault for the tomb containing Ilyich’s body, has five walls, entirely red, with black borders, and a grey ceiling. On the ceiling are several matte hemispheres, very bright, but not blindingly so, illuminating the hall with a uniform electric light. The tomb stands to the left of the entrance near the wall on a small tiered dais. Visitors can see the body without going up the steps and pass near the grave in a semicircle up to the exit opposite.

Utopia Foundation, Moscow




		`Ustinov P. Lenin Mausoleum (motto: Lenin died, but he lives in the Hearts) 1925` RACDMH The viewer’s first impression of the mausoleum is of a tall pyramid with steep sides and with parts of two other pyramids directly adjoining onto it. The construction out of pyramids is an emblematisation of the ascending waves of the national struggle. The tallest central and most prominent pyramid symbolises the final stage in the struggle, victory. The two smaller ones, attached on one of their sides to the main pyramid, symbolise movement out westwards and eastwards respectively. The general outline of the pyramids’ construction, their angularity and sharp contours signify the ruthlessness and straightforwardness of the struggle, allowing for no movement along broken and circular (roundabout) paths. The underground hall, serving as the vault for the tomb containing Ilyich’s body, has five walls, entirely red, with black borders, and a grey ceiling. On the ceiling are several matte hemispheres, very bright, but not blindingly so, illuminating the hall with a uniform electric light. The tomb stands to the left of the entrance near the wall on a small tiered dais. Visitors can see the body without going up the steps and pass near the grave in a semicircle up to the exit opposite.