“The Benois House” or “the house of the Three Benois.” Have you heard those names before? This is \u0428\u043a\u043e\u043b\u0430 \u0411\u0435\u043d\u0443\u0430. Today we will explore this historic building in Saint Petersburg.
\u0428\u043a\u043e\u043b\u0430 \u0411\u0435\u043d\u0443\u0430 is also widely known as the Three Benois House. It is a historic building with alternative names Dom Benua. This apartment house occupies almost a whole quarter on Kamennoostrovsky Prospekt. Locals call it the Benois House. They also call it the house of the Three Benois.
Three members of a famous family of architects designed it. These were brothers Leon Benois and Albert Benois. Their cousin Julius Benois also contributed. The First Russian Insurance Company ordered the building. It was erected from 1911 to 1914.
During construction, the house contained about 250 apartments. It had 25 front doors. The house also included 12 courtyards.
After the Russian Revolution of 1917 the house saw many changes. Princes, counts and manufacturers were replaced. Bolshevik leaders took their place. Comrades Grigory Zinoviev and Jukka Rahja moved in. Other brothers-in-arms of Vladimir Lenin also lived here. In 1926, it became home to party leaders Pyotr Popkov and Sergey Kirov. Kirov lived here until his death. A memorial museum is now open in his former apartment.
Composer Dmitry Shostakovich was another famous resident of the Benois House. He lived here for several years. During that time he worked on his Seventh Symphony. It was also called the Leningrad symphony.
These days the Benois House is known all over Russia. This is because of numerous TV crime series. Bandit Petersburg is one example. The house is situated close to Lenfilm. It is also near a local TV studio. Filmmakers are drawn to its good location. They also like the labyrinth of connected inner courtyards. There are almost a dozen of them.
Many famous people lived in the Benois House. Composers, artists and writers called it home. Scientists, architects and actors also resided here. State and military leaders of the USSR were among them too. Prince Gabriel Constantinovich of Russia lived here. Konstantin Makovsky was a resident. Boris Fredman-Kluzel and Andrei Mylnikov also lived here. Evgeny Kibrik and Alexey Parygin were among the residents.
The Benois House stands as a testament to history. It has witnessed revolutions. It has housed artists and leaders. Its courtyards have echoed with stories. Today it remains a vital part of Saint Petersburg. As we conclude our visit take a moment to appreciate its enduring legacy.