Far Eastern State Technical University

10, Pushkin Street

Vladivostok’s early settlers perfectly understood the paramount importance of friendly relations with neighboring countries. In anticipation of flourishing trade and diplomatic ventures, the Oriental Studies Institute was established in 1899 and became the first institution of higher education in the Russian Far East. With four departments--Chinese-Japanese, Chinese-Korean, Chinese-Mongolian, and Chinese-Manchurian--the Oriental Institute provided students with a broad liberal arts background. It also offered courses in business and economics, social sciences, and law. The Oriental Institute was dedicated to the preparation of students for professional careers in administration, trade, and industrial enterprises in eastern Russia and adjacent countries.

Executed by A. A. Gvozdziovsky, Vladivostok’s most popular architect of that time, this E-shaped building stands on the slope of one of Vladivostok’s many hills and has three stories on the north side, but four on the south. It is a classical structure of red brick with a triangular pediment and columns flanking the windows. Stylistically, the emphasis is upon the line: severe geometric forms and plain walls emphasize the fact that it is a college building. Brought from Manchuria as a gift from the Emperor of China, two mythological lions that symbolize wisdom have adorned the main entrance since 1907.

In 1920 the building was given to the State Far Eastern University and, in 1929, to the Far Eastern Polytechnical Institute, a professional school training engineers and architects. In 1993, this Institute adopted a new name, Far Eastern State Technical University, and has broadened its curriculum to include the humanities.

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