The building, built in 1898 by the outstanding architect A. Bernardazzi, is undoubtedly one of the best creations of the Master in his entire long career. Initially, the building was intended for exchange trading, and therefore the New Merchant Exchange was located in it, which was erected to replace the Old Exchange on Primorsky Boulevard. This need was caused by the increase in grain exports through the city's port, the appearance of a railway in it and, accordingly, the growth of trade transactions. In Soviet times, when planned trade replaced the stock exchange, the building changed its purpose: for many years various public and state organizations were located here, plenary sessions were held, and literary evenings were organized. Since 1946, the building of the exchange was occupied by the Odessa Philharmonic. The building resembles the Doge's Palace in Venice. Skillfully imitating the forms of the Renaissance of the Florentine school, the architect made the ceiling of the main entrance in the form of a vault of heaven, decorated with the signs of the zodiac. The exterior decor was created by M. Molinari, using stained glass windows and Carrara marble. The architecture of the Philharmonic's courtyard is no less successful, looking into which, you find yourself in the era of the Italian Renaissance. A majestic white marble staircase leads to the hall. Its walls are decorated with paintings by the St. Petersburg artist Karazin and the Florentine painter Cassioli with scenes of trade between peoples at different stages of human development.