Bishkek Soviet Lenin Statue - Kyrgyzstan Magnet

Strolling through the streets of the Kyrgyz capital is a dream for lovers of unique architecture. Although Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan gained independence in 1991, the city looks much the same as it did during Soviet times. Vladimir Lenin still stands defiantly behind Bishkek's historical museum. Lenin's statue is popular with tourists visiting Kyrgyzstan. While much of the brutalist style Soviet architecture is derided, Bishkek's communist architectural relics are finally getting some appreciation. The Bishkek National Museum was built when the city was called Frunze.