Nuychev House, Samara, Art Nouveau residential building in central Samara, Russia
The Nuychev House is an Art Nouveau residential building in central Samara distinguished by elaborate facade ornamentation. Carved elephant heads serve as supports for bay windows while butterfly motifs and decorative masks enhance the architectural composition throughout.
The structure was built from 1902 to 1904 by architect Mikhail Kvyatkovsky as a residential complex. It served first as the Kharitonov Sisters Gymnasium before transitioning to educational use as School Number 25.
The building displays intricate decorative patterns with butterfly motifs and female masks across its facades. These ornamental elements create a living connection between natural forms and human figures that you notice while walking past.
The building is best viewed during daylight hours when architectural details are most visible under natural light. It sits in a central location that is easily accessible on foot and works well as part of a walking tour through the city.
The original Atlas figures that once crowned the roofline were removed during restoration work in the 1980s. These sculpted statues were once defining features of the building's profile as seen from street level.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.