How did the architectural appearance of one city change under the pressure of ideology? In the lecture by N.V. Koblova, one can trace the path from avant-garde to Stalinist empire, examine the fate of key projects, and understand how political shifts influenced the urban fabric of Leningrad. The 1930s and 1940s became a turning point in the history of Leningrad architecture. It was then that the avant-garde with its bold searches and constructivist forms gave way to a monumental style reflecting a new ideology and cult of personality. This was a challenging period, filled with internal contradictions, ambitious projects, and a sharp change in cultural orientations. Art historian N.V. Koblova will discuss how the architectural appearance of Leningrad changed in the pre-war decade: which buildings became symbols of a new era, how architects tried to maintain creative freedom under increasingly strict politics, and why the aesthetics of Stalinist empire became dominant. The talk will cover not only the Moscow Railway Station, the House of Soviets, or residential complexes at Courage Square, but also lesser-known projects that became a hallmark of the time. Particular attention will be paid to the political and social context - from party directives to changes in the architectural education system. Listeners will learn how, against the backdrop of ideological campaigns, the image of the city was formed, what compromises architects had to seek, and why many projects were never realized. This lecture will be of interest to anyone who is curious about the history of architecture, Leningrad's transformations in the 20th century, as well as those who want to understand more deeply how architecture becomes a mirror of the epoch.