In 1757, a mansion belonging to Prince Repnin on Mokhovaya was acquired to house the University founded by M.V. Lomonosov in 1755, where the Old University section is now located. In the mid-1780s, under the guidance of M.F. Kazakov, a majestic ensemble of Moscow University was erected on this site, which suffered greatly during the Patriotic War of 1812 and was restored under the direction of D.I. Zhilyardi with the participation of A. Grigoriev in the style of Moscow Empire.

By the end of the 19th century, the University had become the largest educational and scientific center in Moscow, gained major patrons, and the need arose to consolidate its territories with the construction of a special complex for the Medical Faculty.

In 1884, in preparation for large-scale construction works, Moscow University announced a competition for the position of architect. The theme of the competition was the project for the Great Physics Auditorium as part of the New University. The winner was architect K.M. Bykovsky, who held this position until 1905.

Construction of the Great Physics Auditorium began in 1884 on the territory of the New University (the former Pashkovs' estate). Under the guidance of K.M. Bykovsky, a large risalit with a new auditorium was added to the former main building of the estate, where for the first time in Russia, seating for students was organized in the form of an amphitheater. Subsequently, K.M. Bykovsky applied this system in the construction of buildings for the Medical Faculty on Bolshaya Tsaritsynskaya Street (now Bolshaya Pirogovskaya).

The growing needs of the University led to the construction of a special building for the Physics Institute in 1904. It is located to the right of D. Zhilyardi's complex and is visible behind the Geological Institute, built under the guidance of R.I. Klein in 1910 and 1918. The red brick building has an 'H'-shaped layout, with small risalits on either side of the central body.

The magazine 'Builder' wrote about the upcoming construction of the Physics Institute: 'The building will be extensive, 30 fathoms long, with wings of 19 fathoms each. The Institute will be divided into two parts: for lectures and practical classes, as well as for special work. The new institute will have a corridor 30 fathoms long, a tower 11 fathoms high, and a hall with two lights.'

The press paid special attention to K.M. Bykovsky's constructive mastery, noting the complex equipment of the building, including an open platform for experiments on the roof, a workshop for making instruments, a dynamo machine, and special devices for wires.

The building is undergoing maintenance and adaptation work for modern use.