In the 16th century, there was a estate of the Volynskys at this location. By the end of the 17th century, it passed to the Kasimov princes, whose lineage ended around 1728. The property with stone chambers then went to Prince A.G. Dolgoruky, the father of Peter II's unfulfilled bride. Anna Ioannovna exiled him and his family to Berezov.

The Saltykovs became the new owners for almost a hundred years and built a house here in the mid-18th century, which has survived to this day with minor changes from the mid-19th century.

In 1831, Alexander Dmitrievich Chertkov acquired the house with outbuildings and a garden. Thanks to him, this place became known throughout enlightened Russia. Chertkov collected a unique library here, the largest at the time, dedicated to Russian history. He collected not only books but also coins, manuscripts, diplomas, maps, portraits, everything related to the history of Russia. Among those who worked within these walls were Pushkin, Pogodin, Zhukovsky, Gogol, L. Tolstoy, and others who were friends of Chertkov.

His son, Grigory Chertkov, continued his work. In 1863, the first free private library in Russia, the "Moscow City Chertkov Public Library," opened in a special fireproof annex from the side of Furkasovsky Lane.

In 1871, G. Chertkov transferred the library to Moscow and sold the house to N.A. Gagarina. From 1880, it became the property of K.N. Obidina.

In the mid-1890s, the Moscow Architectural Society held meetings in the halls of the mansion. Later, the Literary and Artistic Club and the Literary and Artistic Circle, attended by the founders of the Moscow Art Theatre, were located here.

In 1914, the mansion was acquired by G.A. Keppen, who planned to build a five-story apartment building on this site, but the war thwarted these plans.

After the revolution, the house fell into disrepair. It was saved by the opening of the "Business Club" in 1922, which helped new leaders learn from old specialists. Since 1991, it has been known as the Central Russian House of Knowledge.

After the last restoration, the house was adorned with a coat of arms bearing the motto "Faith and Honor."

Currently, festive events are held here.