Vladimir Lenin Monument

The statue of Vladimir Lenin outside the Finland Railway Station (sculptors Vladimir Schuko and Sergei Yevseyev, architect Vladimir Gelfreich) was one of the first monuments to the Russian revolutionary and head of the Soviet state. Lenin made a political speech at this very spot after returning from emigration in April 1917. The foundation was laid on 16 April 1924 and the statue was opened on 7 November 1926. The square was decorated with flags and garlands designed by Vladimir Schuko. An honorary guard stood watch over the monument. The thirteen-foot sculpture on a sixteen-foot pedestal was unveiled to the sound of an artillery salute and the playing of the Internationale. The statue was later removed to the larger square facing the Neva (1945).