Merchant I.T.Surikov's House: The History of Barnaul
- History and significance: A two-storey wooden house, towering on the corner of Lenin and Uritsky Streets in Barnaul, is an architectural precious heritage of the early XX century. Built in 1905 for the city treasury, it was owned by Barnaul merchant Ivan Timofeevich Surikov. The building has become not only a symbol of the wealth and luxury of merchants, but also evidence of educational progress.
- From Treasury to gymnasium: After the Treasury moved to the City Commercial Building in 1913, the house was rented by the Board of Trustees to accommodate the first female gymnasium in Novo-Nikolaevsk. Pavel Aleksandrovna Smirnova, the head of the gymnasium, headed the educational institution where many future outstanding personalities studied, including members of the Ob group of the RSDLP K.S. Polyanskaya and Glazunova.
- Architectural eclecticism: The building, made in the shape of the letter "G", perpetuates a variety of styles. Siberian wooden architecture, elements of Baroque and classicism are organically combined in the decoration of facades. Figured half–columns with capitals, relief overlay carving of floral ornament - all this creates a unique architectural appearance.
- Healing after a fire: The building went through a sad ordeal in December 1999, when a fire almost completely destroyed its internal structure and decor. In 2000, restoration work began, and today the building shines with a new splendor.
The house of merchant I. T. Surikov in Barnaul is not only an architectural treasure, but also a testimony of history, culture and education. Recovering from the fire, it continues to serve as a place where the past meets the present, and education becomes part of living history.