The church in honor of Saint Archangel Michael was founded in Vladimir in 1891. The construction was sponsored by retired captain Fyodor Grigoryevich Arkhangelsky; other city patrons also helped with funds and materials, for example, the windows were installed thanks to Nechaev-Maltsev, the owner of a glass factory.
Construction based on the design of architect A.P. Afanasyev was completed by 1893. During the consecration ceremony, the townspeople were surprised by the Byzantine architecture of the red-brick building, unusual for Vladimir. Mikhailo-Arkhangelskaya Church is distinguished by its rounded forms, a single dome topped with a cupola, and a bell tower. Especially notable is the church's magnificent acoustics, although the interior spaces are small — only about 400 worshippers can be here at the same time.
The church was closed for religious services in 1929. But it was not demolished under the Soviet regime like many other churches; instead, it was used as a warehouse. Such a "gentle" mode of use allowed the church to survive several decades without any noticeable damage.
At the beginning of the 80s, restoration work was carried out, and for some time the exhibition "Clocks and Time" of the Vladimir-Suzdal Museum-Reserve was based here.
In the 90s, Mikhailo-Arkhangelskaya Church finally returned to the faithful. Today it is a very prominent city landmark and a popular place for wedding ceremonies for young couples.
