A sculpture on the “House with Lions,” a landmark building located on Patriarch’s Ponds in Moscow, has collapsed. The incident has drawn attention to the condition of the historical structure, which is a recognized cultural heritage site of regional significance.

The collapse occurred at the building located at 9 Yermolaevsky Lane. The “House with Lions,” also known as the “General’s House,” was constructed in 1944-45.

Local residents had previously reported the building’s deteriorating condition to authorities, including the Moscow Department of Cultural Heritage, the district administration, and the prosecutor’s office. Requests for reconstruction were allegedly met with formal replies or denials due to the inability to plan reconstruction work.

The building acquired its nicknames due to the unusual sculptures adorning its facade and its purpose as housing for Soviet military leaders after World War II. In the past, the House with Lions hosted various organizations, including the “Ivanovo-Voznesenskaya” art gallery.