The statue was built as a symmetrical counterpart to a monument of Stalin that was dismantled during the de-Stalinization period.
The sculptor Sergey Merkurov was famous for his death masks of prominent Soviet leaders, including Lenin.
It is one of the tallest monuments to Lenin still standing globally.
The monument is positioned at the intersection of the Moscow-Volga Canal and the Volga River, serving as a symbolic gateway to the canal.
The statue's weight is approximately 540 tons.
The statue serves as a navigation landmark for ships entering the canal system from the reservoir.
The Monument to Lenin in Dubna is one of the world's largest statues of Vladimir Lenin, standing 25 meters tall including its pedestal. Constructed in 1937, it was designed by sculptor Sergey Merkurov for the opening of the Moscow-Volga Canal. It is situated at the confluence of the Volga River and the canal, specifically on the western bank near the Ivankovo Reservoir dam. The statue is made of concrete and was originally accompanied by a massive statue of Joseph Stalin, which was dismantled in 1961. It remains a significant example of Soviet monumental propaganda art from the Stalinist era. The site offers expansive views of the Volga River and the waterworks engineering of the canal.
The shoreline perspective from the path leading to the water allows for a full-length shot including the statue and the river background.
Bring binoculars to appreciate the scale and the details of the sculpture from the ground.
The area is highly exposed to wind due to its location on the canal bank, so carry an extra layer of clothing.
Visit during the golden hour to capture the statue's silhouette against the reservoir water.
Do not attempt to climb the pedestal or the surrounding technical structures.