The luxurious estate on the banks of the Fontanka River in St. Petersburg, known as the Sheremetev Palace, was home to five generations of the noble family until the revolution. Having gone through many trials, including the blockade and the Soviet era, the palace has today been restored to its former glory and has become part of the golden fund of museums in St. Petersburg. It houses one of the richest collections of musical instruments, and in one of the wings, visitors can see the apartment of poet Anna Akhmatova.

The history of the estate begins in 1712, when the noble family received a plot by the Fontanka with the condition of its construction. Initially, there were wooden houses, but in the 1730s, the first stone palace was built, designed by architect G. D. Dmitriev. Originally a single-story building, the palace was raised in the 1750s according to the design of Savva Chevakinsky and decorated in the Baroque style. After the death of Peter Sheremetev, the estate was inherited by his son Nikolai Petrovich, who continued the renovations, adding the Summer House, Garden Pavilion, and other structures.

In 1809, the estate was inherited by Dmitry Sheremetev, who added several wings, including the Singing Wing, designed by Giacomo Quarenghi. In the 1830s, architect I. D. Korsini built a cast-iron fence and remodeled the interiors. The estate often hosted famous personalities, such as artist Orest Kiprensky, who created the famous portrait of A. S. Pushkin here.

After the death of Nikolai Sheremetev, his son Sergey inherited the Fountain House. Under him, apartment buildings and the Theater Hall were constructed, which today is the State Drama Theater 'On Liteiny.' The estate also engaged in scientific work, including the activities of the Russian Genealogical Society and the Society of Lovers of Ancient Writing.

After the 1917 revolution, Sergey Nikolaevich transferred the Fountain House to the state, and the Museum of Noble Life opened here. However, the museum could not be preserved, and many items were looted. Various institutions operated in the building, and in 1928, the Astronomical Institute was located here. For more than 30 years, Anna Akhmatova lived in the estate, returning here in 1922 and residing in a communal apartment.

During the Great Patriotic War, the estate suffered from shelling, but after the war, the Arctic Scientific Research Institute was located here. Despite the difficult conditions, the building was restored thanks to the efforts of Ivan Papanin. However, due to renovations, the Fountain House lost part of its original appearance.

Today, the Fountain House has been fully restored. The Anna Akhmatova Museum operates here, preserving the atmosphere of a Soviet communal apartment. In the White Hall, one can immerse themselves in Akhmatova's creativity, and the musical instrument museum features unique exhibits, including Alexei Ushakov's 'blockade cello.' The museum's collection ranks fourth in Europe in artistic value.

The estate also showcases private collections, including the cross 'Monte Generoso,' gifted by Swiss artist Willy Inauen. A monument to singer Praskovya Zhemchugova is installed in the courtyard. Today, the Fountain House is one of the most interesting museums in St. Petersburg, hosting performances, exhibitions, and concerts.