Lenin's tomb
 

We're planning a trip to Moscow. Any truth to the rumor that Lenin's tomb is closing?

Quite a while ago, Stalin was removed from Lenin's tomb. Mr. Lenin is still there though there are reports that his body is not in good shape having been subjected to weird chemicals over the past 70 years.<BR><BR>You never know, Mr. Putin may close it. I don't think there is the political will to destroy the body or bury it.

LENIN'S MAUSOLEUM. The Mausoleum was built in 1930 to put Lenin's dead body inside. The body lies in there, but few people, tourists mostly, visit it and there are talks that Lenin will be buried soon. Also, there's a story that under the mausoleum there's a hidden underground railway, that'll evacuate the body of Bolsheviks' leader in case there's nuclear war or something.<BR>Open: 9.30-13.00 tue-sun. <BR><BR>If you plan to visit no bags or cameras are allowed.<BR><BR><BR><BR>

...and don't count on seeing it, even if you arrive at the times listed. I was traveling with Russians last summer. The tomb was open; we waited a few minutes to collect our friends from around Red Square. When we walked back to the entrance, it was closed. We asked our Russian friends why and when it would re-open. They said it just happens! We waited around, but it did not re-open that afternoon with no further explanation as to why.

Usually when some closes, they say it is &quot;closed for repairs&quot; even there are no workmen there!<BR><BR>I have a bad habit of wanting to take photos when they are forbidden. Places that forbid pictures include St. Pauls Catherdral, National Gallery, Tate Modern, etc. I don't take forbidden pictures when it is an airport or military fort because I don't want to go to jail. That happened to some Britons in Greece.

We were able to visit just fine in 2000, but you'd have to be pretty sneaky to get a camera in there. Not only do they not allow any bags, but they searched pockets when we were in line to make SURE no one had a camera.

I was there in 2000 and had no problem visiting the tomb. And while it's true that they do not allow cameras or bags, etc. and everyone is searched, but also as you are entering, you are continually told and motioned to &quot;keep moving.... keep moving&quot; . There were armed guards literally every few feet and you had to keep moving .. not being allowed to stop and get a clear look for even a second. The line enters from one side and circles around and exits out the other side. I was probably not inside even 15 seconds after waiting nearly an hour to get in. It was worth seeing once I guess, but I would not waste my time again. Also the hours and days that the tomb is open are limited and subject to change or close on a whim for no apparent reason.

It also depends when you're going - we went in the low season (October - it was REALLY cold!), and there was a much shorter line (maybe 20 minutes) and we weren't really rushed through. It was clear they wouldn't have let us gaze at Lenin for an hour (darn!), but we weren't rushed along, either. <BR><BR>So when you get there you can judge what seeing Lenin is worth to you vs. length of line and corresponding likelihood to rush you through. Maybe there wouldn't be a line if you got there first thing in the morning? I thought it was pretty interesting, but like mc might not have thought it worth an hour or more wait.

Was there in October and so was Lenin - you can't carry bags or cameras inside, our tour guide had to hold ours. Also, we were instructed to keep moving, two abreast,and no talking, laughing or even smiling. The guards certainly didn't smile. Look for his contractured hand. (Had strokes)