Gerhardt Mill, also known as Grudinin Mill, is part of the Volgograd museum complex "Battle of Stalingrad." These are the ruins of a mill built in the early 20th century, which were heavily damaged during the Battle of Stalingrad, one of the key battles of the Great Patriotic War. To preserve the memory of the difficult wartime, it was decided to leave the ruins in their current state.

Construction of the mill began in 1899. It became part of a milling complex founded by the Gerhardt family. The owner was Alexander Gerhardt, a Volga German. Brick inscriptions with his surname remain on the upper walls of the building.

The mill operated until the autumn of 1942, when a fire broke out in September due to shell hits. Thanks to the strength of the materials and construction, the building partially withstood numerous shellings. After the war, attempts were made to restore it, and for some time, people lived here as the city lacked housing. However, it was soon decided to organize a memorial museum in the building. The issue of conservation is currently being discussed to preserve the memory for future generations.

The steam mill began operation in 1900 but was destroyed by fire in 1907 and restored in 1908. It was a processing complex that produced flour, fish, oil, and bakery products. The mill was equipped with the latest technology, having its own boiler room and electric generator. The frame was made of reinforced concrete, and the walls were made of brick. Before the war, the building was painted white and had five floors.

After the change of power in 1917, the mill became socialist property and was renamed State Mill No. 4, and in 1929 it was named after Grudinin in honor of Konstantin Grudinin, the leader of the party cell. He exposed a group of workers involved in product theft and was killed by one of them in 1922. After his death, it became known about his work as an informant for investigative authorities, which helped uncover a number of thefts.

In 1942, after the retreat of General Batrakov's rifle brigade, there remained pockets of resistance in Stalingrad. The division of General Rodimtsev came to the aid, and on the night of September 15, Lieutenant Chervyakov's unit captured the Grudinin Mill house and continued the fight. After five days of battles, on September 20, the survivors returned to the mill.

In the battles for Stalingrad, it was strategically important to occupy buildings with strong walls and basements. By September 20, the mill building was held by a Soviet battalion, but it was surrounded by houses occupied by Germans. Gerhardt Mill was the only multi-story building and became key in the Penza defense hub.

The Stalingrad Gerhardt Mill endured 58 days of siege, subjected to constant attacks and shelling. The walls of the building still bear traces of artillery and mortar fire.

The ruins of Grudinin Mill are recognized as a cultural heritage site of national significance. It is a rare case where a structure was left untouched after the war. Tourists note that thanks to this, the mill conveys the atmosphere and spirit of wartime, preserving the memory of the hardships and feats of the participants in the Battle of Stalingrad.

Previously, tours allowed visitors to explore the mill from the inside, but now access is only possible from the outside, as the roof is destroyed and the ceilings are unsafe. Through the windows of the second floor, one can see the partially destroyed rooms, staircases, and metal strips that reinforced the walls and helped the building withstand the attacks.