The Russian Geographical Society, founded in the mid-19th century, is one of the oldest in the world. Throughout its existence, it has made significant contributions to the study of Siberia, the Far East, Central Asia, polar regions, and other parts of the planet, including the World Ocean. Thanks to its activities, meteorology developed and global climate processes were studied. The first headquarters of the society was located in St. Petersburg.

Established in 1845 in St. Petersburg by the decree of Emperor Nicholas I, the Russian Geographical Society began its work on October 7 of the same year. The initiator of its creation was Admiral Fyodor Petrovich Litke, a renowned navigator and Arctic explorer. The society was tasked with studying the vast Russian territories extending to the Pacific Ocean, including climate, natural phenomena, and landscape.

From the very beginning, the RGS included outstanding scientists and researchers such as I. F. Krusenstern and F. P. Wrangel. Initially, the society was funded by the state, but later, the main sources became donations from patrons like the Siberyakov family and entrepreneur V. G. Zhukov. These funds were used to organize expeditions and publish scientific works.

The RGS set scientific and educational goals from the start. It actively studied Siberia, the Urals, the Far East, and other regions, collaborating with topographers and military officers. This allowed for the clarification of old maps and the creation of new ones, describing remote areas.

By 1851, the society opened branches in Tiflis and Irkutsk, and by 1917, it had 11 major departments and 4 branches. In 1912, the idea of creating nature reserves was proposed, and the Nature Conservation Commission, led by Academician I.P. Borodin, began work in this direction.

Members of the society included not only Russian scientists but also foreign figures such as British Prince Albert and Norwegian explorers Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen.

One of the key areas of the society's work became the study of the Arctic. However, several expeditions, such as G. Y. Sedov's journey, were unsuccessful due to insufficient funding and adverse conditions. In 1914, a commission was established at the Academy of Sciences to study the Arctic, leading to the creation of the first Arctic stations.

The society's library, founded in 1845, contains rare publications and maps. The society's archive includes manuscripts, photographs, and ethnographic collections.

After the 1917 revolution, the society continued its work, focusing on local studies. In 1918, the world's first Geographical Institute was founded, and in 1919, the idea of creating a museum emerged, which opened in 1986.

In 1938, a Central Lecture Hall was established, where geography lectures were held. Today, forums and meetings with scientists take place here.

Despite political and economic difficulties, the Russian Geographical Society continues its activities. At different times, it has been led by members of the imperial dynasty and renowned scientists. In 2009, S. K. Shoigu became the head.

The society's headquarters in St. Petersburg, built in 1901 according to the design of architect G. V. Baranovsky, has retained its functionality. The stained glass of the building, which changed three times, was restored in 2010.

From 2010 to 2011, restoration work was carried out in the building, during which engineering communications were updated and interiors restored. The building is equipped with modern security and climate control systems.

Today, lectures, exhibitions, and seminars are held at the RGS headquarters. The Board of Trustees is headed by V. V. Putin.