The construction of the building was delayed due to World War I and was completed in 1918. This became the last realized work of the outstanding architect R.I. Klein, who actively worked in Moscow for nearly four decades.

The site for the Geological and Mineralogical Institutes was chosen next to the Old University complex, which effectively completed the formation of the classical panorama of Moscow University on Mokhovaya Street opposite the Kremlin.

For R.I. Klein, the appearance of the Geological Institute held special significance due to the remarkable history of the Old University complex. Moscow University was founded in 1755, and in 1757, a mansion belonging to Prince Repnin on Mokhovaya was acquired for its location, the modern site of the Old University. In the mid-1780s, under the guidance of M.F. Kazakov, a grand ensemble was built here, 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. Elements of this style were used by R.I. Klein in the building of the Geological Institute. The main building of the University, created by M.F. Kazakov and D.I. Zhilyardi, was located deep within the ceremonial courtyard, and the central part of the facade was highlighted by Doric columns under the pediment. In the stucco decoration of the facade, motifs of the triumphal architecture of Ancient Rome were used, including wreaths of victors, garlands of oak leaves, and military armature.

Two circumstances are important for the construction of the Geological Institute complex. First, the building was erected during the celebration in Moscow of the 100th anniversary of the Patriotic War of 1812 with the participation of Emperor Nicholas II. Second, R.I. Klein built it after completing the construction of the Museum of Fine Arts named after Emperor Alexander III, which opened in 1912. The reference to classicism and Empire in the design of the Geological Institute became a development of Klein's previous experience. In fact, this building is a brilliant stylization on themes of the architecture of D.I. Zhilyardi.

The Geological Institute building is a rectangular volume located perpendicular to Mokhovaya Street, separated from the Old University complex by an alley. From this passage, Klein added two risalits, creating a semblance of a courtyard in front of the building, reminiscent of the ceremonial courtyard of the Old University. The building faces the Kremlin with its end facade, and Tuscan pilaster porticos are used on the facades, which develops the composition of D.I. Zhilyardi and creates a connection between the neighboring buildings of the late 18th century, the 1820s, and the buildings of the 1910s. Like Zhilyardi, Klein used stucco decoration in the style of Moscow Empire with motifs of the triumphal architecture of Ancient Rome.

The building is undergoing maintenance repairs.