MMM-2003 - Workshop Venue

The House of Scientists building, the former Grand Duke Vladimir's palace, has a special place among the palaces in St. Petersburg. The Palace is one of architectural gems of the city. It was built by the Russian architect Alexander Rezanov.

Located in the very heart of the city, in the neighborhood of the Winter Palace (Hermitage), the residence of Russian emperor, and the Peter’s and Paul’s Fortress, their burial place, the Palace represents a perfect example of the "historical" style. Originally, the Palace was built for the third son of the Russian emperor Alexander II.

Grand Prince Vladimir as all grand princes in Russia received the military education. He was the Commander of the Guards and the Chief of St. Petersburg Military District as well as the President of Russian Academy of Fine Arts during 33 years. Well- known people of those days were often guests and visitors of the Vladimir’s family in the Palace. F. Shalyapin, S. Rachmaninov, S. Vitte, I. Repin and others were coming to the "small Imperial Court" in the Palace.

After the Bolshevik revolution in 1917 the palace was not robbed and destroyed as, by the Gorky's request and the followed government decision, it was turned over to the scientists. It became the first club for Russian scientific intelligencia in Soviet Russia. Many worldwide known scientists like I. Pavlov, V. Vernadsky, I. Kurchatov and others were engaged in the work of the House of Scientists. At present more than 34 scientific clubs and seminars work place in the Palace.

The House of Scientists has good facilities for running conferences and conference related events like informal meetings of professionals, receptions, dinners, etc.

The House of Scientists has several banquet rooms.

The Lower Banquet Room of the Palace (it is called "Trapeznaya") was decorated by the famous architect Messmacher, German by birth, in the beautiful Venice style.

The decoration works started in 1888 and lasted till 1893.

The walls of the room are covered with the oak wainscots. In the main part of the ceiling one can see three magnificent bronze chandeliers.

Richly decorated with carved wood and tiles, the Fireplace, the most beautiful part of the room, leaves no one indifferent. Here in the unique atmosphere of Grand Prince Vladimir's dinning room, an original one, inside the exquisite interiors, which yet preserved their magnificence and splendor, here you can breath History of Russia.