Усадьба Демидовых, Noble estate in Basmanny District, Russia
The Demidov Estate is a noble residence with a main building and wings, featuring arched windows and neoclassical cornices on Moscow's Radio Street. The complex also includes a church and additional two-story structures added to the western section of the property over time.
Construction of the main house started in the 1750s under architect F.S. Argunov and was completed in 1765 by German master Johann Just. After 1826, N.N. Demidov donated the property, which then became the House of Diligence and later the Elizabethan Girls School from 1867 onward.
The name Demidov refers to a wealthy industrial family whose power and resources shaped the look of this place and its role in Moscow society. The grand main building with its decorated facade reflects how the family displayed their status through architecture and fine design.
The estate sits in central Moscow and is easily reached on foot, with clear orientation from the distinctive buildings and street signs marking the area. The best time to visit is on a clear day when the architectural details and the facade are fully visible in daylight.
During the second half of the 1700s, this residence housed a private serf theater in one of its wings, a rare feature where the family employed enslaved performers. This theater reveals how the family invested in culture and entertainment within their private domain.
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