“Imagine, if you will, a haven for warriors,” I begin, gesturing towards the grand structure before us. This is the Kurakin Almshouse. It stands as a testament to compassion in old Moscow.
The Kurakin Almshouse, or Spital, was among the first charitable institutions in the Russian Empire. It reflects the vision of Prince Boris Ivanovich Kurakin. He admired the House of Disabled People in Paris and sought to create something similar here.
Though Prince Kurakin died in 1727 before realizing his dream, his son Alexander brought it to life. Empress Anna Ioannovna donated land in Basmannaya Sloboda for its construction. The Kurakin Almshouse was finally opened in 1742. Empress Elizabeth Petrovna attended the grand opening.
The building’s design is attributed to Parisian architects. Its original one-story U-shape is in the style of Anninsky Baroque. The Kurakin Almshouse initially housed twelve former officers injured in service. Each resident had a furnished room and ample provisions. They received clothes, meat, poultry, wine and honey. A garden provided a space for relaxation. Residents only needed to sleep at the hospital and attend temple services.
At the heart of the ensemble was the church of Nikolai Ugodnik. It connected to the hospital. Some believe it shared architectural similarities with San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane in Rome.
Over the years, the Kurakin family expanded the estate. In the 1790s, a two-story manor was added. In 1802, two service buildings were completed. In 1820, the “spital” was renamed the Hospice. During Nikolai Ugodnik holidays, hundreds of beggars received free food.
During the War of 1812, Napoleon turned the Hospice into a French infirmary. He made a stable in the church. After the French were expelled, Alexey Borisovich Kurakin restored the church.
Fedor Alekseevich Kurakin was the last trustee. In 1902, he renovated the main building. He added a second floor and larger windows. These changes gave the building a neoclassical style.
After the 1917 Revolution, the almshouse closed. In 1935, the church was demolished. The remaining buildings were used for housing until the 1980s. For twenty years, the building stood abandoned.
In 1998, Yury Luzhkov established the Moscow House of Nationalities in the building. From 1999 to 2003, the building was reconstructed. This restored its 18th-century appearance. Today, the building hosts concerts, festivals, conferences, and national holidays.
The Kurakin Almshouse stands not just as a building, but as a symbol of enduring care. Its history is a reminder of the compassion that shaped Moscow.