At the beginning of the twentieth century, science was rapidly developing, and this period was perceived as the age of humanism. However, World War I and two revolutions turned everything upside down: countries collapsed, and people died. In this chaos was the famous Moscow governor, actual secret adviser, and chamberlain Prince Vladimir Mikhailovich Golitsyn. This outstanding man went from the upper circles of pre-revolutionary society, close to Emperor Nicholas II and the title of honorary citizen of Moscow, to the contemptuous status of 'former' and exile with deprivation of rights.

Vladimir Mikhailovich Golitsyn was born on July 22, 1847. His father came from an ancient princely family, and his mother was a born Countess Baranova. The prince was born in Paris but soon returned to Russia with his parents and, after receiving an education, entered government service. His career was successful: at 36, he became the vice-governor of Moscow, and in 1887 he took the post of governor. His merits were recognized by the sovereign, but in 1891, Grand Duke Sergei Mikhailovich arrived in Moscow, and Golitsyn later became the mayor of Moscow. Together with the emperor's uncle, he worked on transforming the city, where sewage systems, a new water supply, and the first tram appeared.

In 1905, Vladimir Mikhailovich supported constitutional reforms but could not reach an agreement with the emperor and resigned. He remained one of the 12 honorary citizens of Moscow and was actively involved in charity. After the arrival of Soviet power, Golitsyn stayed in Moscow but was arrested and exiled to Bogoroditsk. Later, he lived in Zagorsk and Dmitrov, continuing to engage in public education, but often faced arrests and obstacles. Vladimir Mikhailovich passed away on February 29, 1932, at the age of 84.