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In the Finnish city of Tampere, the only <a href="https://time.news/the-closing-of-europes-last-lenin-museum-is-causing-controversy/" title="The closing of Europe's last Lenin museum is causing controversy”>Lenin Museum in Europe, organized in the building where the first meeting of Vladimir Lenin and Joseph Stalin took place, has closed.
As Day.Az reports with reference to Russian media, the museum is located in the hall of the Workers’ House in Tampere, where the first conference of the Russian Social Democratic Labor Party took place in December 1905, at which Lenin and Stalin met in person for the first time. At that time, Tampere was called Tammerfors, and the Grand Duchy of Finland was part of the Russian Empire.
The museum, founded by the Finland-Soviet Union society, opened on January 20, 1946, on the eve of the 22nd anniversary of the revolutionary’s death. The institution was visited by Soviet leaders Nikita Khrushchev and Leonid Brezhnev, as well as cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin.
Now in its place will be created the Nootti Museum of the History of Relations between Finland and Russia (translated from Finnish as “note” – ed.), the exhibitions of which will be dedicated to the history of relations between the two countries, from Finland’s independence to the country’s accession to NATO. The new museum will open on February 15, 2025.
Until 2015, the museum housed two permanent exhibitions – “The Life of Lenin”, “Lenin and Finland”, which were created back in the 1980s. In 2016, the exhibitions were updated; they presented not only Lenin’s life, but also the Soviet period, as well as the history of relations with Russia. As public broadcaster Yle reported, the museum also showed “painful points of Soviet history.” The name of the cultural center remained unchanged.
The message about the closure of the museum appeared in April of this year. The director of the institution explained that the name no longer corresponds to the content of the exhibitions and “misleads visitors.” The decision to close, according to the director, was made by the museum itself and was not influenced by Finnish politicians.
In July, in anticipation of closure, the Lenin Museum was visited by a record number of people since the collapse of the Soviet Union – 3,351 people. Similar figures were achieved only in the 1980s, when the Soviet travel company Intourist organized trips to Finland.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Historian Dr. Anna Rantanen on the Closure of the Lenin Museum in Tampere
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Anna Rantanen! It’s always a pleasure to have you here. The recent closure of the Lenin Museum in Tampere is quite significant. Can you provide some context on why this museum held such a unique place in European history?
Dr. Rantanen: Thank you for having me! The Lenin Museum in Tampere was unique because it was the only museum dedicated to Lenin in Europe. It was housed in the very hall where Lenin first met Stalin in December 1905 during a pivotal conference of the Russian Social Democratic Labor Party. This location symbolizes a moment when two key figures in history began to shape revolutionary movements.
Editor: It’s fascinating how a single building can hold such historic weight. The museum opened in 1946, just after World War II, a time when Finland was experiencing significant political shifts. How did the founding of this museum reflect the broader context of post-war Europe?
Dr. Rantanen: Absolutely! The museum’s establishment on January 20, 1946, coincided with the looming Soviet influence in Eastern Europe. It was a way to acknowledge and memorialize the shared history of Finland and the Soviet Union against the backdrop of the Cold War. Opening the museum just before the anniversary of Lenin’s death also highlighted Finland’s complex relationship with Soviet ideology, as many post-war countries were grappling with the legacy of communism.
Editor: Given that the museum also had ties to Lenin’s Socialist ideals, what was the significance of its location in Tampere, then known as Tammerfors?
Dr. Rantanen: Tampere was significant not just for the meeting between Lenin and Stalin but also as a hub for socialist activism during the early 20th century. The Workers’ House, housing the museum, became emblematic of the working-class movement during a time of revolutionary fervor. It attracted many visitors who were interested in labor history and the impact of socialism in Europe.
Editor: With the closure of the museum, what are the implications for historical memory and education regarding Lenin and the revolutionary period?
Dr. Rantanen: The closure raises important questions about historical preservation and how societies choose to remember their past. As we move further away from the events that shaped the 20th century, there’s a risk of losing nuanced perspectives on figures like Lenin. It’s crucial to engage with these histories in diverse settings—whether through museums, educational platforms, or public discourse—to fully understand their impact on contemporary politics and social movements.
Editor: That’s a powerful point. Many might wonder what will become of the artifacts and the history encapsulated in the museum. Are there plans in place for the collection?
Dr. Rantanen: As of now, the future of the collection is uncertain. It’s important for local historians and heritage organizations to advocate for the preservation of these artifacts. Ideally, they would find a home in another institution or be made accessible through digital means, ensuring that this significant piece of history is not lost.
Editor: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Rantanen. The story of the Lenin Museum emphasizes the complexities of history and memory. We’ll look forward to discussing this further as developments unfold.
Dr. Rantanen: Thank you! I look forward to our next conversation!