Russian Fair Travel

Saint-Petersburg Opera


This small intimate mansion belonged to Baron S. P. Von Derviz at the turn of the 20-th century. He was a descendant of the ancient Wiese family from Germany. The facade contains certain elements of the Renaissance style, slightly resembling a Florentine palazzo. Much attention was lavished on the mansion interiors of different styles according to the fashion of the time. The mansion has a rich musical and theatrical history. At the end of the 19-th century, the mansion witnessed performances of the House of Intrerludes, staged by Vsevolod Meierhold. Since 1915 the mansion was known as “Theatre and concert Hall” where concerts of F. Shalyapin, K. Sobinov and I. Dunkan were held. Fortunately the interior is intact: the baroque mouldings on the walls with sculptures symbolizing the arts , Genius swooping over the richly decorated proscenium, holding a lyre in both hands, and von Derviz coats of arms on the main door glass. The luxurious Moorish Room with its rich gilt adornishment, the Maple Drawing Room with its decorative paneling, and the Conservatory in the style of an enchanted grotto were also preserved.