Mansion of Chizhov

The Mansion of Chizhov sits on Staromonetny Lane and displays Empire style with a central portico, stucco decorative reliefs, and wrought iron gates connecting the main structure to the left wing. Today the Geological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences occupies the building and preserves its original exterior look, though the ground floor windows have been updated.

Built in the early 1800s, the structure absorbed older buildings that had stood on the site previously. During the Soviet era, it housed the Lithosphere Institute of the USSR Academy of Sciences, anchoring decades of Earth science research.

Plaques on the service building honor scientists like A.V. Sidorenko and N.A. Bogdanov who worked on geological research within these walls. These marks show how the mansion became tied to the progress of Earth sciences in Russia.

The location sits within walking distance of public transport and offers easy viewing of the exterior facade from the street. Interior access is limited since the building serves an active research institution, but visitors can observe the architectural details and ornamental features from outside.

The property retains 19th-century metal umbrellas sheltering the entrance porches and wooden gates with hand-carved ornamental details that have been restored. These small touches often go unnoticed by visitors focused on the main facade but add genuine period character throughout.