Shuvalov (Naryshkin) Palace

Categories / Architecture/Architectural Monuments/Palaces
SHUVALOV (NARYSHKIN) PALACE (21 Fontanka River Embankment), a 19th century architectural monument. The left part of the existing building was constructed in the 1780s in Neoclassical style (unknown architect) for Count I.I. Vorontsov. In 1799, the house was acquired by Oberjegermeister D.L. Naryshkin (his wife later became a favourite of Emperor Alexander I). In 1821-22, a wing was attached to the right of the building (architect thought to be K. I. Rossi); there a ball room, decorated with white Corinthian columns and painted plafond (painter I.K. Scotti), a picture-gallery and a museum were arranged. Balls and concerts at the Naryshkins' were attended by the members of Imperial family and many famous literati. After the owner's death, the palace passed on to his nephew - L. Naryshkin, and in the 1840s to the daughter of the latter - Countess S.L. Shuvalova. In 1844-1849, architect B. Simon remodelled in Eclectic style the entrance hall, the front staircase, the Knights' Hall and sitting rooms and adorned them with plasters, carved and polished panels. At the same time architect N.E. Efimov united two parts of the building with the help of a common facade, designed in the Renaissance style. In 1900, Count Pavel P. Shuvalov inherited the palace, then his widow - Countess E.V. Shuvalova. In 1919-25, the palace housed the Museum of Everyday Life (West European paintings and Works of decorative applied art were exhibited); in 1927-29, it was the House of Press; in the early 1930s - the House of Technology; then the Molotov House of Engineers and Technicians; in the late 1930s, a planning organisation was located on the premises. In autumn of 1941 the decor of the columned hall was destroyed by a fire, caused by bombing (by 1950, it had been restored). Following interior restoration carried out in 1963-65 (architect M.M. Plotnikov), it became the Dom Druzhby (House of Friendship and Peace with Peoples of Foreign Countries) was opened within the precincts of the palace. Today the building hosts the Centre of International Cooperation.

References: Авгуль Л. Н., Крылова А. В. Дворец Нарышкиных-Шуваловых. СПб., 1996.

S. V. Boglachev. Aarne V.
Alexander I, Emperor
Efimov Nikolay Efimovich
Molotov (real name Skryabin) Vyacheslav Mikhailovich
Naryshkin Dmitry Lvovich
Plotnikov Mikhail Mikhailovich
Rossi Carl Ivanovich (Carlo Giovanni)
Scotti Giovanni Batista (Ivan Karlovich)
Shuvalov Pavel Pavlovich, Count
Shuvalova Elizaveta Vladimirovna, Countess
Shuvalova Sofia Lvovna, Duchess
Simon Bernard de
Vorontsov Illarion Ivanovich, Count
Fontanka River Embankment/Saint Petersburg, city, house 21
Авгуль Л. Н., Крылова А. В. Дворец Нарышкиных - Шуваловых. СПб., 1996