Monument to Lenin in Gomel

The Monument to Vladimir Ilyich Lenin in Gomel is one of the city's iconic architectural landmarks, attracting the attention of both tourists and locals. This monument was created by sculptor Sh. Mikatadze and architect I. Spirin, representing a carefully planned architectural complex. The central element is a six-meter bronze sculpture mounted on a massive granite pedestal, with adjacent tribunes.

Architectural Features of the Monument

Lenin's figure is depicted in dynamic motion: he holds a cap in his right hand while his left hand adjusts the lapel of his unbuttoned coat. Detailed sculpting and moderate light-shadow contrasts achieve a striking portrait resemblance. The front of the pedestal features a granite plaque with the inscription "V.I. Lenin." The monument's color scheme combines the dark bronze of the sculpture, red granite, and labradorite of the pedestal and tribunes. Around the monument, flower beds and blue spruce trees add a special atmosphere to the site.

Who Was Vladimir Ilyich Lenin?

Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov, better known as Lenin, was a Soviet political and state leader, revolutionary, and founder of the Russian Social-Democratic Labour Party (Bolsheviks). He played a key role in the October Revolution of 1917, served as the Chairman of the Council of People's Commissars of the RSFSR, and was one of the founders of the USSR.

The History of the Monument's Creation

Initially, according to the 1946 master plan, a monument to Joseph Stalin, along with a physical education college and an Actor's House, was planned for this square. However, in 1950, the project was revised: the square was expanded, and multiple scenic viewpoints were created. There was also a proposal to erect a monument dedicated to Belarus's liberation from Nazi occupation. However, the chief architect of the Gomel Regional Executive Committee, Ivan Fyodorovich Burlaka, insisted on establishing a separate memorial space on Pobedy Street while placing the Lenin monument near the park.

The Monument’s Modern Significance

The Lenin monument was officially unveiled in 1958 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic. Since then, its original appearance has remained unchanged. Today, it stands not only as a historical and cultural landmark but also as a key compositional element of Lenin Square, attracting tourists and history enthusiasts alike.