The mansion, situated near Irkutsk Drama Theater, was constructed in 1897 with the project of Irkutsk architect A. I. Kuznetsov. It belonged to Mikhail Dmitrievich Butin (first guild merchant from Nerchinsk). This residential house was a part of a vast homestead, one of the building was a winery because Mikhail and his brother Nicholas had a wine business. Besides their family dealt in gold-mining on 50 mining sites, they also dealt in salt-making, metallurgic manufacturing, ship-building, fur trade, wine, bread and manufacture goods. Butin had some troubles with his companions in 1880, he sold his business and left Nerchinsk to live in Irkutsk. Butin decided to quit business for good in Irkutsk and dedicated his life to sciences, collections and philanthropy. He donated money for the development of East Siberian Department of Russian Emperor Geographical Society, some orphanages, he also was the head of Irkutsk Prison Committee and was elected city mayor (1893-1902). After Butin's death, his wife inherited the mansion, later the building was sold to the military department. Before 1917 the building served as a residence for the troops quartered in Irkutsk military zone. During the fights for the Soviet Reign, Central Executive Committee was located here as well as the Central Headquarters of Laborers and Peasants of Internationalists. In the period of 1920-1923 Irkutsk Gubernia Committee worked here. Later the building was used for residents purposes. In 1975 it was considered to be the monument of history and architecture of local significance. In 1978 Theater Union acquired this building. After the restoration in 1980, Actor's House was located here.
