Former Refectory of the Tsar's apothecary court (XVII Century) (Moscow)

 museum, place with historical importance, listed building / architectural heritage, historical building, nonresidential building, 17th century construction

The Apothecary court was created in 1581 by imperial decree as the medical department of the Moscow government. Its function was to replenish the royal pharmacy drugs and controlling the activities of foreign doctors invited to the court of Ivan IV the Terrible.

The Apothecary court ceased to exist during the Time of Troubles in the early XVII century and was restored to operation in 1620 as the supreme authority over the management of medical business in the country.

The court was in charge of pharmacies, the collection and cultivation of medicinal plants, buying them in other countries, arranging medicines on shelves, to create new field pharmacies, to certify physicians and pharmacists. It checked their diplomas and gave the annual assessments to determine doctors' expertise in serving people, and a forensic examination, as well as performing other functions.

Apothecary order also established a book depository.

In 1654, the Apothecary order established the first pharmacy school in Russia. There Apothecary order directed the proceeds of pharmacy sales and of medicinal vodka to the treasury. "

It was directed the boyar, appointed by king. In 1716 Apothecary order was converted to the Office of the Main Pharmacy, and in 1721 - the Medical Office.

One of Peter the Great's first orders placed the Chemists' within the Kremlin, opposite the Chudova monastery (whose building has not survived). Sometime in the 18th century, this house became a complex of service buildings of the estate of AF Talyzina (see House Talyzina).

In the 1920's it was renovated. The foundation of the building remains from the 17th century - a huge two pillar chamber with vaulted ceilings, set on the ground floor of the three white stone cellar with vaulted arches.

Today the building houses part of the Shchusev Museum of Architecture Exhibition Hall.