The Rukavishnikov Mansion (Dom Rukavishnikova) is one of the most extravagant private houses in Russia from the 19th century — a baroque-eclectic palace built between 1877 and 1877 for the merchant Sergei Rukavishnikov, who wanted a house that would make the neighbours (and his rivals) feel small. The facade is a riot of sculptural ornament: atlantes supporting the balconies, elaborate window surrounds, caryatids, and a roofline of urns.
The mansion now houses the Nizhny Novgorod State Historical and Architectural Museum-Reserve, with collections covering the history of the Nizhny Novgorod region from prehistoric times through the 20th century. The restored interiors — particularly the main hall and the private apartments — are as interesting as the exhibits. The mansion sits on the upper embankment above the Volga with a good river view from the terrace.