In contrast to other European capitals, Moscow had no city hall until the establishment of zemstvo in the late 19th century. In the 1880s, when Red Square and the neighbourhood were being overhauled in the neo-Russian style, the Moscow City Duma decided to commission an impressive building for its headquarters.
In contrast to other European capitals, Moscow lacked a city hall until the establishment of zemstvo in the late 19th century. In the 1880s, when Red Square and the surrounding area were being renovated in the neo-Russian style, the Moscow City Duma decided on building an impressive headquarters.