Joseph Stalin’s bas-relief returns to Volgograd Medical University after 65 years

A bas-relief of Joseph Stalin has been restored to its original place on the façade of the Volgograd State Medical University, 65 years after it was removed during the Khrushchev-era campaign of "de-Stalinization".

The building, originally constructed as the Higher Party School in Stalingrad, was designed by architects Vasily Simbirtsev and Yefim Levitan. Its main entrance originally featured four profiles — Karl Marx, Friedrich Engels, Vladimir Lenin and Joseph Stalin. Stalin’s image was removed in November 1961, while those of Marx, Engels and Lenin remained.

 

Stalin bust unveiled in Volgograd to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Stalingrad victory

A new bust of Soviet leader Josef Stalin has been unveiled in the Russian city of Volgograd ahead of Wednesday's 80th anniversary of the Red Army's victory over Nazi invaders in one of the most significant battles of World War Two.

The bust is flanked by two others - legendary Soviet commanders Georgy Zhukov and Alexander Vasilyevsky - beside the Museum of the Battle of Stalingrad - Volgograd's name from 1925 to 1961, the local news outlet V1.RU reported on Tuesday. 

Stalingrad reloaded: Will the Russian city of Volgograd return to its former heroic name?

The Russian city of Volgograd may return to its former heroic name, Stalingrad, following a referendum that will take place within the next six months.

On Monday 5 December, a committee of experts on the study of public opinion met at the Volgograd Regional Duma in order to discuss the issue of the restoration of the city's old name. Addressing the audience, Volgograd Governor Andrei Bocharov noted that the issue is of historical importance and a carefully considered decision must be taken, based on the committee's work.