Located in Moscow on Leo Tolstoy Street, the Chambers stand as the only surviving structure from the Khamovnaya Sloboda district, offering a rare glimpse into pre-Petrine architecture.
Fostering deeper connections
The building’s massive brick form, white stone vaults, and strict proportions evoke the architectural grandeur of the past, yet the Chambers have undergone numerous reconstructions over the centuries. Soviet-era additions, such as a modern annex and internal staircases, further altered its original form. In the early 21st century, the building served as office space, with its historical features, such as the white stone vaults, obscured by modern alterations.
In 2021, the vision for the Chambers took a dramatic turn when the building was repurposed into Palaty, a cultural salon and centre dedicated to the arts. This transformation is part of a larger mission to revive the tradition of the 19th-century secular salon—a gathering place for intellectual and cultural exchange. The founders, Maya Santimirova, founder of the DrawAndGo drawing studio, and Taya Tarabrina, a producer of photo and video shoots, envisioned Palaty as a space that would not only host creative evenings and lectures on art, music, and culture but also foster live interaction among artists, creatives, and audiences. The centre offers a range of programs, from courses on ballet and opera to exhibitions of contemporary art, all complemented by gourmet buffets and informal socializing in lounge areas. The Chambers can also be rented for events, further solidifying its role as a cultural nexus.
New lease on life
The architectural redesign of Palaty was spearheaded by Moscow-based architect Varya Shalito, in collaboration with designer Lera Nesterenko and a team of craftsmen, artists, and professionals. Their goal was clear: to honor the historical significance of the building while creating a modern cultural space. The design process involved careful consideration of the building’s spatial configuration. The Chambers were divided into functional zones, including an entrance area, two lecture halls, two lounge areas, a dressing room, bathrooms, and a gallery space. Each space was meticulously planned to create a harmonious flow that would encourage both intellectual engagement and artistic appreciation.
The architects emphasized preserving the historical essence of the Chambers while introducing contemporary design elements. The use of colors, materials, and vintage furnishings plays a crucial role in achieving this delicate balance. In the entrance area, for example, a large-format painting is positioned opposite the majestic entrance doors, framed by a vintage Soviet chandelier sourced from the CHRONOSFACTOR vintage light gallery. This juxtaposition of modern art with historical lighting immediately sets the tone for the space—where the past and present coexist in dialogue. The furniture choices also reflect this concept. Vintage pieces, sourced from flea markets and antique shops, were restored and repurposed for the new cultural centre. A large wooden table in the lounge area, crafted from antique boards by Belarusian designer Alexander Samsonov, embodies the philosophy of sustainable design. Similarly, chairs sourced from Malakhovka near Moscow were given new life, reinforcing the idea of conscious consumption and supporting local craftsmanship.
A modern reinterpretation
Supporting local artists and designers is a core value for the founders of Palaty, and this is reflected in their collaboration with Natalia Melnik, an artist from Kolomna. Melnik created a stunning two-meter chandelier woven from emerald threads, which hangs in the first-floor lounge, acting as a central focal point. The use of locally sourced materials and the promotion of Russian artisanship further solidify the cultural centre’s commitment to its roots.
The gallery space on the second floor is painted in a deep, dark green, creating a contemplative atmosphere for viewing contemporary art. The walls of the gallery are adorned with an art object—a stele woven from rope by Natalia Melnik—blending the tactile nature of the material with the visual impact of the artwork. This gallery space leads into another lecture hall, which also hosts concerts and performances. The upper lounge, located on the second floor, offers a more intimate, almost secretive space, contrasting with the bright, airy atmosphere of the lower lounge. Here, the dark green tones create a subdued backdrop against which vintage and modern furnishings stand out as vibrant accents.
Palaty’s design emphasizes the interplay between history and modernity, offering a space that celebrates artistic expression, fosters intellectual dialogue, and supports sustainable design practices. The restoration and renovation of the Khamovny Dvor Chambers exemplify the power of architectural transformation, where the past is preserved and reinterpreted to serve the needs of contemporary culture. In this new cultural centre, visitors are invited not only to engage with art but to participate in a living, breathing space where creativity and history intertwine. The Chambers are no longer just a relic of the past—they are a vibrant part of the cultural fabric of modern Moscow, providing a platform for the future of the arts.
Fact file:
Name of the project: Chambers
Location: Russia, Moscow
Area: 271 sq m
Type: Restoration Architecture and Interior Design
Lead designer: Architect Varya Shalito and designer Valeria Nesterenko
Photography: Mikhail Chekalov
