With its spire, intricate porch and patterned wrought-iron gates, this building looks like a European castle and an ancient Russian palace at the same time. The paintings are based on sketches by Ivan Bilibin, a famous Russian illustrator. The bank was inaugurated in 1913, with Emperor Nicholas II in attendance. During World War I, the State Bank held half of the Russian Imperial gold reserves. The foundation could not withstand this load and cracked.

Surprisingly, the building has only been used for its intended purpose since it was opened. What is even more surprising is that there is a double-headed eagle, a symbol of the Tsarist regime, on the façade right above the main entrance, quite close to the coat of arms of the USSR, mounted on a high spire. Unfortunately, the building is not open to the general public. You can only go inside on open days, which are announced once or twice a year.