Ho Chi Minh’s Grave is the final resting place of Vietnamese Revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh in Hanoi, Vietnam. Contrary to his desire for a simple cremation, the mausoleum was constructed from materials gathered from all over Vietnam between 1973 and 1975. Set deep in the bowels of the building in a glass sarcophagus is the frail, pale body of Ho Chi Minh. Construction work began on September 2, 1973, and the mausoleum was formally inaugurated on August 29, 1975. It was inspired by Lenin’s Mausoleum in Moscow but incorporates distinct Vietnamese architectural elements, such as the sloping roof. The exterior is made of grey granite, while the interior is grey, black and red polished stone. The mausoleum’s portico has the words “Chairman Ho Chi Minh” inscribed across it. The banner beside says “Long live The Socialist Republic of Viet Nam”
