One of the country’s most “prominent leaders,” Andrei Gromyko lived in Washington from 1943 to 1946 as the Soviet Union’s Ambassador to the United States. During his term he met prominent personalities such as Charlie Chaplin, Marilyn Monroe and John Maynard Keynes.
He was the author of a best-selling memoir, Memories (1989).
Gromyko’s dour demeanor was shown clearly during his first term in Washington and echoed throughout his tenure as Soviet foreign minister. There is a story that Gromyko was leaving a Washington hotel one morning and was asked by a reporter; “Minister Gromyko, did you enjoy your breakfast today?” His response was “Perhaps.”
The Homes
1125 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC (The Russian Ambassador's residence)
This Beaux-Arts mansion was originally built for Hattie Sanger Pullman, widow of the inventor of the Pullman Sleeping Car. From 1913 through 1994, it served as the Embassy of Russia and Embassy of the Soviet Union, but has since been the Ambassador’s Residence. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
Andrei Gromyko
1125 16th Street, NW
Located in Sixteenth Street Historic District neighborhood, Northwest - East of Rock Creek