Opening Date and History

Among modern buildings on the west side of Lyusinovskaya Street stands the estate from the first half of the 19th century, known as the estate of P.P. Ignatieva and N.A. Belkin. The pedestrian path next to the estate is elevated, creating the impression that the building has sunk into the ground, with the surrounding space cleared for better visibility.

The estate was built after the fire of 1812 on the site of burned wooden structures, using the old stone base and cellar of the previous house. The exact time of construction is not established, but it is believed to have occurred between 1819 and 1833.

Description

The main house of the estate has preserved almost all of its original facade decoration, characteristic of Moscow Empire style. The portico of six pilasters is the main ornament of the building. The pilasters, widening at the bottom and framed by complex verticals, give the house stability and strength. To enhance perception, decorative inserts have been added between the pilasters. The plasterwork with a musical theme, typical of the first half of the 19th century, includes antique lyres, reminiscent of N.V. Gogol's words that architecture is frozen music. The plaster decor is completed with a wreath in the triangle of the pediment, a plaster frieze, and inserts above the side windows.

The side parts of the building are decorated with rustication up to the windows, which are crowned with sandriks in the form of fan-shaped lintels with keystones. This house allows one to imagine what Moscow looked like after recovering from the fire of 1812. From the south, the gate pylons have been preserved, the simplicity of which emphasizes the elegance of the main house's plasterwork. The cornices and attics above them highlight the classical simplicity of the pylons.

Adjacent to the gates is a wing with three windows, the facade of which is devoid of decorations. The proportions of the wing make it a worthy completion of the estate. The original wing has not survived; it was restored for the completeness of the ensemble.

Initially, the estate was located more than 40 meters to the east, on the red line of Lyusinovskaya Street (until 1922, Malaya Serpukhovskaya). The architectural value of the building led to its relocation during the street expansion in 1981 under the guidance of engineer E.M. Gendel.

Modern Use

Currently, the estate houses the Department for the Preservation of Archaeological Heritage, where the chief archaeologist of Moscow works.