The modest building of the Physiology and Histology Institutes, located in the complex of the Old University on Mokhovaya, preserves the memory of many outstanding traditions and famous names in the history of Moscow.

This building serves as a reminder that when Moscow University was founded by M.V. Lomonosov in 1855, the Medical Faculty was included in its structure. Due to its practical significance, it quickly became the largest faculty in the University. In 1757, the estate of Prince Repnin on Mokhovaya was acquired for the University, now known as the site of the Old University. In the mid-1780s, under the guidance of M.F. Kazakov, a grand ensemble of Moscow University was erected here, which suffered greatly during the Patriotic War of 1812 and was restored by D.I. Zhilyardi with the participation of A. Grigoriev in the style of Moscow Empire.

The growth of the Medical Faculty led to its premises being scattered across Moscow. In 1884 and 1895, under the guidance of architect K.M. Bykovsky, a special complex of the Clinical Town of Moscow University was built in Devichye Pole (Bolshaya Pirogovskaya Street), now the First Moscow State Medical University named after I.M. Sechenov.

Nevertheless, part of the Medical Faculty's premises remained on the historical territory of the Old University, including the Physiology and Histology Institutes. The building for them was constructed under the guidance of K.M. Bykovsky in 1898 and 1893. It is located in a remarkable place, effectively taking on the significance of its predecessor. The institute was erected on the site of the Anatomical Theatre of Moscow University, built in the 1820s as part of the reconstruction of the Old University under the guidance of D. Zhilyardi and his assistant A. Grigoriev.

The two-story building of the institutes is designed in the shape of a cross, formed by the intersection of a long beam parallel to Mokhovaya and Nikitsky Lane, and a perpendicular short one. In the facade design, K.M. Bykovsky used motifs of classical architecture, reminiscent of the complex of the Old University from the late 18th century by M.F. Kazakov before its reconstruction by D. Zhilyardi after the 1812 war. The lower floor is highlighted by a horizontal rustication, forming a stylobate, while the second tier is adorned with flat pilasters.

In 1893 and 1905, the Physiology Institute of Moscow University was the workplace of the renowned professor of medicine M.I. Sechenov.

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