A structure that no longer exists: the model of the Sukharev Tower at "The Birth of Scale" exposition

A model of the Sukharev Tower, demolished in 1934, is on display at the exposition "The Birth of Scale" at the National Centre RUSSIA. The object was created by order of the USSR Academy of Architecture for the Museum of Architecture during the tower's dismantling.

The Sukharev Tower, built between 1695 and 1701 by order of Peter I, was located at the intersection of the Garden Ring, Sretenka Street, and 1st Meshchanskaya Street (now Prospekt Mira or Mira Avenue) in Moscow. It housed the School of Mathematical and Navigational Sciences, the first educational institution in Russia to train officers in artillery, engineering, and naval specialties.

"At the very top of the tower was an observatory with large telescopes. Over time, the tower served various functions, including as a water tower. It was called the 'bride' of the Ivan the Great Bell Tower, which stood 81 meters tall, while the Sukharev Tower was 63 meters high. The tower was repeatedly renovated. In the early 20th century, in 1934, Joseph Stalin ordered its demolition," said Alexander Gayneyev, a tour guide at the National Centre RUSSIA.

In Gilyarovsky's book "Moscow and Muscovites," it is described that in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a market was located around the Sukharev Tower.

Photo: Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA

"Architects fought for a long time to preserve it, proposing to relocate it, as was done with buildings on Tverskaya Street. However, unfortunately, there was no place to move the tower. According to Soviet leadership, it obstructed the development of the transport route. Today, there are discussions about its restoration, but not at its historical location, as there is simply no free space there," added the tour guide.

The exposition "The Birth of Scale" at the National Centre RUSSIA showcases both completed architectural projects and ideas that remained only on paper. The exposition features unique building models, blueprints, and designs preserved in museums and private collections.

The exposition's partners include DOM.RF, the Ministry of Construction of Russia, Gazprom, the State Research Museum of Architecture named after A. V. Shchusev, the Russian State Archive of Literature and Art, the Yakov Chernikhov Architectural Charity Foundation, and the HSE School of Design.

"The Birth of Scale" exposition is open daily except Monday from 10:00 to 20:00. Registration for a free guided tour is available on the website of the National Centre RUSSIA.