Building of the Council of Labor and Defense

This parliament building at Okhotny Ryad houses the State Duma of the Russian Federation and displays tall pilasters that rise from foundation to attic. The facade is arranged symmetrically and emphasizes order and authority through its vertical elements.

Arkady Langman directed construction between 1932 and 1935, replacing the 17th-century Golitsyn Palace and Saint Paraskeva Church. The building emerged as an expression of growing Soviet bureaucracy and aimed to make state power visible.

The name recalls the council that steered economic decisions during the early Soviet Union years. Today it serves as the Duma's seat and retains its function as a venue for political debate.

The building stands directly at 1 Okhotny Ryad Street, near the central Manezhnaya Square. The facade can be viewed from several sides, with the main front opening toward the square.

The height was calculated precisely to balance the Moscow Hotel across the street and create visual harmony over the uneven topography of the area. This planning accounted for the terrain difference and ensures a harmonious streetscape.

Location: Tverskoy District

Location: Okhotny Ryad

Inception: 1935

Architects: Arkady Langman

GPS coordinates: 55.75796,37.61585

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:30