The Singer House, known to older generations as the "House of Books," is a building that younger people associate with the headquarters of the social network VKontakte. Its prime location certainly adds to its recognition, as it stands at the intersection of two main tourist arteries of St. Petersburg: Nevsky Prospekt and the Griboedov Canal, with the magnificent Kazan Cathedral right across the street.
How to Take a Tour of the Singer House
Today, the premises of the Singer House are leased to various organizations, so you can't simply walk in. However, you can book a tour, during which a knowledgeable guide will tell you about the building's history and take you through its unique interiors. The tour also includes access to the rooftop observation deck of the Singer House, which offers stunning views.
You can book the tour through the "Unconventional Petersburg" agency. I've already gone on one of their tours to Grigori Rasputin’s apartment. You can place your order on their website, in their VKontakte group, or by phone at +7 (812) 509 66 42. The cost of the tour is 1,500 rubles (2019 prices), with payment accepted in cash at the company office or via bank card on their website. In warm weather or during holidays, it's best to book your visit in advance.
A Bit of History
The Singer Company building was constructed between 1902 and 1904. The architect was Pavel Suzor, a graduate of the St. Petersburg Academy of Arts. By the beginning of the 20th century, he had already been involved in the construction of many buildings in the city.
At the time, an imperial decree from Nicholas I prohibited the construction of civilian buildings in St. Petersburg that exceeded 23.5 meters in height. The Singer House adhered to this rule to an extent—the main structure was built within the legal limits, but the mansard roof and dome were constructed at a much greater height, as these elements were not included in the height calculation. This restriction was meant to ensure that no building was taller than the Winter Palace, the residence of the Russian Emperor.
Contrary to popular belief among tourists, Singer is an American, not a German company. It was founded in 1851 and is still in operation today, primarily known for producing sewing machines. In fact, one of their machines can be found among the sculptures adorning the St. Petersburg building.
Initially, Singer didn’t occupy all the floors of the building on Nevsky Prospekt—some were rented out to a bank. During the Soviet era, after nationalization, much of the building was taken over by various publishing houses.
The Singer House Tour
The tour begins near Kazan Cathedral, by the statue of Mikhail Kutuzov. From here, you can admire the building’s exterior, the sculptures on the façade, and the famous dome. The guide will share fascinating facts about both the Singer Company’s history and the architecture of the house.
After this introduction, the group heads inside. A few minutes are dedicated to the service entrance, followed by the main part of the tour. You’ll explore the primary sections of the Singer House and marvel at its unique interiors, including the grand staircase and the vast glass atrium at the heart of the building.
At this point, the group splits up—some continue to listen to the guide's story, while others ascend to the observation deck. I’ve been to the colonnade of St. Isaac's Cathedral and the observation deck of the Smolny Cathedral, both of which offer amazing views of the city. But being on the roof of the Singer House feels different. First, there are no walls obstructing the space around you, and second, you can look down at the bustling “ant-hill” that is Nevsky Prospekt. You can spend about ten minutes on the roof, while the entire tour lasts just over an hour.
I can confidently say that this tour will appeal to both visitors and locals—there aren’t that many accessible observation decks in the city center. One final piece of advice: check the weather forecast before booking your tour. On a sunny, warm day, St. Petersburg looks absolutely stunning.
In summary:
- A unique and interesting tour;
- Plan your visit in advance, as each group has around 20 spots;
- Both the rooftop and the building’s interiors are perfect for taking amazing photos.
