On the corner of Bolshaya Nikitskaya Street and Gazetny Lane, in the courtyard of house 2, lies a masterpiece of classical architecture from 18th century Moscow, the palace of Prince S. A. Menshikov, the grandson of a companion of Peter I. The palace was built in 1776-1777.

A four-story building, erected in 1925 by architect A. M. Gurzhienko, completely blocked the view of the palace from Bolshaya Nikitskaya Street, spoiling the composition of the semicircular ceremonial courtyard formed by two wings. Despite the changes, the facade of the main house has retained its exquisite features.

The history of ownership is known since 1738, when General F. V. Naumov built stone chambers with an archaic layout. These chambers were partially incorporated into the basement of the modern building. In 1774, Naumov's daughter, Princess A. F. Beloselskaya-Belozerskaya, sold the estate to Prince S. A. Menshikov, who began construction of the palace two years later.

The rear facade has preserved elements of the original building: rustication, window surrounds, and applied boards. At the end of the 18th century, the house was partially remodeled, and its modern facade, the result of another reconstruction, saw more massive forms, with Ionic pilasters giving way to Corinthian half-columns. These changes were possibly made by the new owner, Count A. I. Morkov, who acquired the house in 1809. Count Morkov, a graduate of Moscow University, became famous as an ambassador in Napoleonic France, where he often contradicted the emperor. After a conflict with Napoleon, Morkov was recalled and awarded the highest Russian order.

Upon returning from France, Count Morkov often lived in the countryside and rented out the city mansion. In 1814, the bel étage of the house was occupied by the English Club and a 'dancing academy.' After his death, the ownership passed to his daughter, Princess V. A. Golitsyna, and then to other owners, including Privy Councillor Ponomarev and V. S. Krapovitsky.

In the 1870s, the property was acquired by Staff Captain D. S. Seleznev, who built a commercial building that closed off the ceremonial courtyard and mansion. The mansion was rented for public events, and its ceremonial enfilade was refurbished. Dance evenings were held here, and part of the premises was occupied by the Russian Choral Society under the direction of composer A. S. Arensky.

From the late 19th century, the property belonged to the Vilk family. Due to its proximity to the conservatory, it housed music shops, piano tuning workshops, sheet music stores, and a large hat shop owned by D. P. Bogolepov.

After 1917, the right part of the palace was dismantled, distorting its classical composition. In the 1920s, when the estate was owned by JSC 'Melstroy,' a four-story residential building was constructed, and the left wing was demolished.

Before the revolution, the house was inhabited by architecture teacher A. D. Bykovsky, Decembrist Prince S. P. Trubetskoy, and doctor G. A. Zakharin. After the revolution, it was home to famous artists: V. N. Pashennaya, M. M. Tarkhanov, I. Ya. Sudakov.

In 1970, the property was placed under protection, and a restoration was carried out over five years. After that, various state institutions were housed in the building.