10-й учебный корпус

Nestled along the Universitetskaya Naberezhnaya, the 10th Educational Building, also known as 10-й учебный корпус, stands as a quiet testament to the evolving history of Saint Petersburg State University. Did you know this building is part of the larger Twelve Colleges complex? Originally envisioned by Peter the Great as government offices, the Twelve Colleges were transformed in the 19th century to house the growing university. The 10th Educational Building, within this sprawling complex, reflects this shift. In 1819, Emperor Alexander I officially decreed the Main Pedagogical Institute’s reorganization into St. Petersburg University. This marked a pivotal moment. The university returned to its historical roots and expanded its reach. As we stand here, imagine the flurry of activity as the university settled into its new home within the Twelve Colleges. The original twelve separate buildings, once buzzing with government officials, now echoed with the voices of professors and students. The grand staircase, a product of the 19th-century renovation, likely witnessed countless hurried footsteps ascending to lectures and descending to lively discussions. While the original interiors of the Twelve Colleges are mostly gone, the Petrovsky Hall retains its ornate sculptures, frieze, ceiling murals, and fireplaces. Imagine attending a lecture in such a grand space, surrounded by the whispers of history. This very building, 10-й учебный корпус, played a crucial role in fostering intellectual pursuits within the university’s expanding academic world. Today, the Twelve Colleges still serve as the administrative heart of St. Petersburg State University, a testament to its enduring importance. St. Petersburg University has since then been home to brilliant minds, including Dmitry Mendeleev, who developed the periodic table. This legacy of discovery and academic excellence continues to inspire generations.