The building of the former City Duma in Vladimir looks more like a terem than an official institution. Architect Yakov Revyakin, who built it in 1907, drew inspiration for his project from the building of the Moscow Duma. During construction, the same red brick was used here, and the motifs were Old Russian: tented roofs on the hipped roof, window casings, and keel-shaped arches clearly point to traditional Russian folk architecture.
Before the revolution, the building was used as the City Duma; in addition, the court and several commercial departments were located here. After the Soviets came to power, the city authorities were based here until 1948, and later the Palace of Pioneers and Schoolchildren was housed here. The latter enjoyed classes in the architectural monument until 1985, and then they were moved to a new building better suited for children.
Over 20 years of disuse, the City Duma building fell into a deplorable state. It began to be restored only in the 2000s, and after a successful relaunch, in 2008 the luxurious House of Friendship opened here - a place for ceremonial meetings of the city's honorary guests, award ceremonies, and other important events.
