The Museum of Political History
The Museum of Political History shows in a brilliant way not only the historical context of the events before the Revolution of 1917 but also the consequences of what happened after it. The exposition tells about the death of Vladimir Lenin and about the way haw Stalin struggled for power. The visitor of the Museum will get to know about the GULAG and see the documents about the Great Terror. The Museum provides the facts based on which guests can make their own conclusions and hopefully understand better the enigmatic system of Soviet Union.
The Museum occupies two magnificent buildings: one is the former palace of ballet dancer Matilda Kshesinskaya and the other luxurious mansion of Baron Brant. Both buildings have their own interesting history but it must be mentioned that for a few months in 1917 after the palace of Matilda Kshesinskaya had been taken by the Bolsheviks it was used as their headquarter. From the balcony of this palace Vladimir Lenin gave his famous speeches in spring of 1917. The visitors may see his study in the Museum and feel the atmosphere of that chaotic days.
Now the Museum is very popular between the Russian visitors of different ages who try to understand better their own history. We believe that without past there is no future.