In a small park on Freedom Square, opposite the Musa Cälil State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre is a statue of Vladimir Lenin in a familiar pose. Lenin lived in Kazan from September 1888 to May 1889 and briefly studied at Kazan University until he was expelled for his political activities. After his experience in Kazan, Lenin became even more determined to continue his struggle against autocracy. The building behind Lenin is the State Council of the Republic of Tatarstan.