The Printing House of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the first in Russia, began its operations in the early 18th century. Initially, it was located in a small house, had only one press, and was called a "printing house." Over three centuries, it transformed into a large enterprise under the publishing house "Nauka," which has repeatedly received awards for the best printing publications. Today, the academic printing house is among the oldest printing organizations in the country.

The history of the printing house begins in 1711 when, by the decree of Peter I, the first printing press was delivered from Moscow to St. Petersburg. Initially, it was located in the house of the director M.P. Avramov, who studied printing in Holland and was appointed head of the Petersburg "state printing house." Two years later, the printing house received a separate premises near the Peter and Paul Fortress, where it remained until 1727. The increase in space allowed for the installation of three new presses, and in 1719, two more were added.

In 1725, the printing house came under the jurisdiction of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Part of the equipment was sent to Moscow, and new machinery was ordered from Holland for the needs of the Academy. The head became G.F. Miller, a historiographer and professor of the RAS. The printing house was officially founded on October 4, 1727, and was located on Vasilievsky Island in the former palace of Praskovya Saltikova. Two departments were created, domestic and foreign, as well as workshops, including the Engraving Chamber.

In the first 10 years, the printing house published about 175 books, including academic works. In 1728, the newspaper "St. Petersburg Vedomosti" began to be published here under the editorship of G.F. Miller. The printing house also published literature in Church Slavonic and secular books, including works by Pushkin and Derzhavin. Later, atlases, calendars, and cartographic products began to be published here. In 1755, M. Lomonosov released "Russian Grammar" here.

The printing house was renowned for its quality printing. Since 1768, all products received a special seal of the Academy. At the end of the 18th century, a new building for the Academy of Sciences was constructed on Universitetskaya Embankment, and in 1826, the printing house received temporary premises at the intersection of 9th Line V.O. and Bolshoy Prospekt. The building was designed in the classical style, but after renovations, it lost its ancient interiors. During this time, the printing house was re-equipped with the latest technologies, including rapid printing presses.

By 1840, the printing house could print books in 120 languages. In 1859, construction of an additional building began. The printing house was renamed "Printing House of the Imperial Academy of Sciences" and published specialized academic editions while accepting private orders. It collaborated with government agencies, libraries, and educational institutions.

After the revolution, the printing house continued to operate in the USSR, changing its name several times. In 2003, it was renamed. Today, the printing house belongs to the publishing house "Nauka" under the RAS, one of the largest scientific publishers in the world. In 1998, it received a corporate coat of arms, and since 2000, its name has been given to one of the minor planets. Scientific publications, newspapers, and journals continue to be printed here, as well as private orders. All facilities are located on Vasilievsky Island, and the building has the status of a cultural heritage site of federal significance in Russia. Despite the lack of space, the printing house remains a leader in the field of domestic book printing.