The Russian State Library is the largest library in Russia and one of the largest in the world. It was founded in 1862 as part of the Rumyantsev Museum which was located in Pashkov House. In 1925 the library was renamed the Vladimir Lenin State Library of the USSR. The library's collections dramatically increased after the Revolution due to the influx of confiscated items and a new building was required. Work on the current neoclassical building started in 1930 and was completed in 1941. The library's massive reading hall was completed in 1945. The front of the building features tall columns whilst its sides are decorated with engravings of the some of the world's most famous authors and scientists. In 1992 the library was renamed the Russian State Library. The library can be visited for research purposes upon applying for a reading card.

Located on the top of the steps outside the Russian State Library is a statue of one of Russia's most famous authors - Fyodor Dostoevsky. The monument was unveiled in 1997 as part of Moscow's 850th anniversary celebrations and depicts the author sat on a pedestal, looking rather gloomy and deep in thought.

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