The Lobanov-Rostovsky mansion, known as the House with Lions, is one of the most famous buildings in St. Petersburg. It was built between 1817 and 1820 according to the design of Auguste Montferrand, the renowned architect of St. Isaac's Cathedral. The sculptures on the facade, including the lions that gave the house its nickname, were created by the sculptor Paolo Triscorni.

The Lobanov-Rostovskys hardly lived in this house, as it was originally intended for rent. In 1821, they placed an advertisement in newspapers offering for rent "the bel étage facing the square and Voznesensky Street, as well as two halls on the same floor, suitable for concerts and masquerades."

The basement housed the first lithography in St. Petersburg, as well as flour and grocery shops and a porter’s lodge. The first floor was occupied by more affluent craftsmen, such as glove makers and shoemakers, as well as various departments, including the Commission for the Construction of St. Isaac's Cathedral and the Provision Department of the military. The bel étage was almost entirely occupied by the Provision Department. The third floor was home to various people: Madame Orsenius with a boarding house, the manager of Princess Lobanova, tailors, painters, officials, and specialists involved in the construction of St. Isaac's Cathedral.

The House with Lions also housed a unique establishment, the "Cosmorama." Here, the Hamburg painter Sur showcased views of various cities and landmarks, creating a stereoscopic effect through special optics and lighting. Views of Berlin, Potsdam, Hamburg, Vienna, Rome, Arctic landscapes, the Inquisition's dungeons, and a view of Taganrog with the house where Emperor Alexander died were particularly popular.

The House with Lions could have been the first building in Russia, and possibly in the world, to be won in a lottery. A.Y. Lobanov-Rostovsky planned to issue a million ruble lottery tickets and raffle off the house, but Nicholas I prohibited this venture and suggested selling the house to the state. Along with the house, a unique library collected by the prince was sold, for which Nicholas I granted Lobanov-Rostovsky a lifelong pension.

After the house was transferred to the treasury, Nicholas I placed the Ministry of War of Russia there, which remained in the building for almost a hundred years. During the Soviet era, a physics and mathematics school operated here.

In the 2000s, a new chapter in the history of the House with Lions began when it opened, possibly the most fashionable hotel in St. Petersburg, Four Seasons.