Bolshaya Nikitskaya Street is considered one of the most aristocratic in Moscow. It got its name from the Nikitsky Women's Monastery, founded in the late 16th century and located where the modern park and metro substation are at the corner of the street with Bolshoy Kislovsky Lane.

Next to Nikitskiye Vorota Square, at the corner with Leontyevsky Lane, stands a 5-story building that has witnessed many dramatic events in Russian history. This is the city estate of P. A. Pozdnyakov and the Yusupovs, known as the Pozdnyakov House. Originally, it was a two-story building constructed in the 18th century by an unknown architect.

The history of the house begins in the early 19th century when it was acquired by Ober-Gofmarshal Grigory Nikitich Orlov, known as "the chamberlain and cavalier." Later, the estate was purchased by Pyotr Adrianovich Pozdnyakov, who was passionate about theater. From 1810 to 1817, one of the most famous theaters in Moscow, the Pozdnyakov Theater, operated here. Pozdnyakov remodeled the building, adding a new wing with a theater hall. The director of the theater became Sila Sandunov, a former comic actor from the court theater in St. Petersburg, who also built the famous Sandunov Baths. Pyotr Pozdnyakov's wife trained young serf actresses. The theater gained fame not only in Moscow but also beyond its borders, attracting many spectators. Even Griboedov mentioned the Pozdnyakov Theater in his play "Woe from Wit."

The building did not suffer from the fire, and the French placed Prince Gagarin's theater troupe in it. On September 25, 1812, the French troupe Boursey presented their first performance here. Emperor Napoleon visited the theater once, as evidenced by a singer who was asked to repeat an aria for him. A total of 11 French performances were shown, but the building ended up ruined. Pozdnyakov restored the theater and began to hold charity performances.

In 1822, the estate was remodeled by the new owner, Nikolai Borisovich Yusupov, who also organized a theater here, though it was less popular than under Pozdnyakov. A. S. Pushkin visited Yusupov at the request of P. A. Vyazemsky.

Later, the ownership changed hands multiple times. There was a watch shop by Pavel Bure and a shop for "Antique Coins and Items," popular in the early 20th century.

After 1917, the house was raised to five stories, although part of the building along the lane remained three stories. Now, there are shops and offices located here. If you enter the "Carpets" store from Bolshaya Nikitskaya Street, you can find yourself in the Pozdnyakov theater hall, where one can still imagine the magnificent performances that adorned theatrical Moscow two centuries ago.