DURATION: 30 min — 1 h
Singer House, or the House of Books, is one of the most famous buildings which you can see at Nevsky Prospect, in the very heart of St. Petersburg. This Art Nouveau 6-floor structure was designed by Paul Suzor in 1902-1904 to house the Russian branch of the stock company “Singer” that produced and sold sewing machines all over the world. Originally there was an idea to build a skyscraper like it was being erected by “Singer” in New York. However, in St. Petersburg it was allowed to construct the buildings not higher than 23.5 meters, so the mansard and the special tower were designed to make the company’s house look really high. After Russian revolution of 1917 the bookstore was arranged in this building, it was called the House of Books. After the reconstruction in 2006 it was again open to sell books and there is also a “Singer Café” on the 2 nd floor with the panoramic view of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Kazan. During “Nevsky Prospect Walking Tour” you will get to know much more interesting facts about Singer House.
