In a world where war and political conflicts often shape the relationships between states, Finland has taken an important step by closing the Lenin Museum in Tampere. This museum, the only one outside of Russia dedicated to Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin, officially closed its doors on November 3.
This decision is part of a broader set of ideological sanctions against Russia, primarily aimed at combating Russian propaganda and Soviet relics within society. The Lenin Museum, established in 1946, held significant historical importance. It was located in the house where Lenin first met Joseph Stalin during a secret Bolshevik meeting. The museum showcased exhibitions detailing Lenin’s life and the history of Finnish-Soviet relations. However, following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the museum’s name became a “burden” for its director, Kalle Kallio.
He noted that, in the context of modern reality, the name deterred potential visitors, even though the museum had no connections to the Russian state. In response to public sentiment and the changing international political landscape, Finnish authorities announced the opening of a new museum at the same location. The planned opening is scheduled for February 15, 2025. The new museum, to be named “Nootti” (“Note”), will focus on the development of Finnish-Russian relations in the 21st century.
This decision reflects Finland’s desire to re-evaluate its history and its relations with Russia in the context of contemporary challenges. Relations between Finland and Russia deteriorated significantly after Russia invaded Ukraine. In response to this aggression, Finland joined NATO in April 2023, increasing the border between NATO and Russia by approximately 1,340 kilometers.
This has affected the relationship between the two countries within the framework of new political realities. The closure of the Lenin Museum symbolizes a paradigm shift in a society that seeks to distance itself from its Soviet past and Russian aggression. Thus, Finland demonstrates its determination to combat propaganda and the ideology of the “russian world.”
