The Union of Architects of Russia intends to collect a bank of ideas for the operation of the Mausoleum on Red Square in case the body of Vladimir Lenin is buried. The organization announced a competition for the best concept for the use of the building.

      The organizers of the competition noted that finding the body of Vladimir Lenin in "the very heart of a country that has realized the historical mistakes of the past" contradicts modern ideas about eternal memory, and "is a violation of the Russian Orthodox tradition, as well as the will of the leader himself." At the same time, it is noted in the competition regulations   that the Mausoleum as a building is under the protection of UNESCO and ensures a harmonious connection between Red Square and the Kremlin.

      The Union of Architects of Russia considers it expedient to make the Mausoleum a branch of the State Museum of Architecture.   Participants of the competition are invited to draw up a master plan with a route connecting the Mausoleum with the museum on Vozdvizhenka. Other ideas for using the Mausoleum are "not only allowed, but welcome."

      Registration of participants will be held until October 19, the announcement of the results is scheduled for November 13. The organizers note that the head of the Ministry of Culture Olga Lyubimova, leaders of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation and "Fair Russia" Gennady Zyuganov and Sergei Mironov are invited to the jury. Mr. Zyuganov refused the invitation and called the competition a provocation. It is unclear from the regulation whether other invitees have agreed to evaluate projects or not.