Ponizovsky House, Neoclassical mansion in Presnensky District, Russia

The Ponizovsky House on Povarskaya Street combines Art Nouveau and Neoclassical elements across its exterior, with a planted strip separating the facade from the sidewalk. The three-story structure reflects the design of upscale residential buildings from the early 1900s.

Built in 1904 to designs by architect Lev Kekushev, the house underwent major renovation in 1914 that removed its original dome and Art Nouveau decorative details. This work reshaped the building's outer appearance into its present form.

The mansion now serves as the Embassy of Afghanistan, transforming a historic private residence into a space where diplomatic work happens. This shift in purpose shows how Moscow's grand houses have adapted to modern roles.

The house stands at the intersection of Povarskaya Street and Skatertny Lane in central Moscow and can be accessed from several directions. As it functions as an embassy, the interior is not open to public visits, but the exterior can be viewed from the street.

The house came from the division of the Volchkov estate in 1902, when Jacob Reck's company commissioned luxury mansions for resale throughout the neighborhood. It exemplifies early 20th-century real estate development that shaped Moscow's upscale residential zones.

• Location: Presnensky District
• Inception: 1904
• Architects: Lev Kekushev
• Architectural style: Art Nouveau architecture, Neoclassical architecture, neoclassicism
• GPS coordinates: 55.75670,37.58920
• Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:24