10.07.1726 – 10.03.1772

Alexander Filippovich Kokorinov, the famous Russian architect, the first rector of the Imperial Academy of Arts, the founder of classicism in Russia, was born July 10, 1726 in Tobolsk in the family of an official. At the age of 14 he got into the students of architect Ivan Blank, who is in Tobol’s exile. Returning to Moscow, he took with him and a talented young man to continue his studies.

Alexander Kokorinov designed a lot for Tobolsk and Moscow, was engaged in the restoration of the walls and gates of the Moscow Kremlin and China Town.

In 1754, Alexander Kokorinov went to St. Petersburg for a trip to study abroad. However, the trip did not take place. For some time the young architect worked at the Peterhof granite factory and the Petersburg porcelain factory. Later Kokorinov was assisted by F.B. Rastrelli, was involved in decorating the interiors of the palace of Count II. Shuvalov.

Together with Zh. B. Vallen-Delamotom Kokorinov from 1764 worked out the project of the building of the Academy of Arts. On the day of the building of the Academy of Kokorinov, he was elected professor of architecture, in 1767 – adjunct-rector, in 1769 – rector of the Academy.

Kokorinov A.F. did not live to finish the construction of the building of the Academy of Arts. In 1771, due to lack of financing, construction was suspended. After the resignation of Count Shuvalov, the architect was accused of overspending. A year later he passed away.