Smolnyi Institut (Smolnyi Institute), St. Petersburg

This building was designed in 1806 by D. Kvarengi. It was initially destined to be a closed educational institute for girls of the nobility. It is located to the south of the convent complex around the Smolnyi Sobor (Smolnyi Cathedral) on the banks of the Neva river. It is considered to be an excellent example of Russian classical architecture.Historically, this building is linked to important events which occurred during the Great October Socialist Revolution when it served as a headquarters for Lenin and his staff. It currently houses the city administration. The museum inside is open from Monday-Friday between 10:00am to 5:00pm.