Здания Московского купеческого общества, Architectural landmark in Tverskoy District, Russia.
The Moscow Merchants Society Buildings are a group of four sturdy brick structures with exposed facades arranged around Novaya Square. Their simple, functional design emphasizes the practical needs of both commerce and residence without ornamental plaster.
These buildings rose in 1882-1883 after a market fire in 1881 destroyed wooden trading stalls that had operated since 1783. Major modifications came during Moscow's reconstruction in the 1930s, reshaping parts of the complex.
These structures once housed the daily business of Moscow's trading class, with shops and offices operating on the lower levels while merchants lived above. The layout reveals how commerce and domestic life intertwined for this social group during the 19th century.
You can explore the exterior of the complex and examine its structure from Novaya Square for a clear view of all four buildings. Some interior spaces may not be accessible to visitors since portions remain in active use today.
Building number 10 has housed the Russian Geographical Society's headquarters since 2011, sharing quarters with student dormitories. This repurposing demonstrates how 19th-century commerce spaces adapted to scholarly and residential uses.
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