The statue was initially installed on the roof of a building on Houston that was owned by a former professor of radical sociology, Michael Rosen. It was moved a couple of years ago to here on Norfolk.
This particular likeness of Lenin was created by Yuri Gerasimov, who was commissioned to build it by the Soviet Union, but because of the Union's collapse, the statue was never unveiled and remained so until 1994 when Rosen's partner bought it from the artist and had it installed.
Yes, it's on the roof. So when you're walking along Norfolk Street you need to stop at number 178 and look up. There he is, arm outstretched and saluting New York City. It's just one of those things that will make you go "Yep, that's New York!"
It's not a great view because he's only near the edge of the roof and it's six stories up. There isn't much space to back up and get a better angle.
[Review 15691 overall - 283 in New York - 1195 of 2021.] read more