The directory contains: a short historical essay of the Imperial Academy of Arts, a list of subordinate institutions with a brief description of them, rules for exhibitions of paintings, capitals, prizes, medals and scholarships, publishing activities of the Academy of Arts, privileges, charters and states, subordinate art schools and schools (Penza, Kyiv, Kharkov, Kazan, etc.), personnel, etc. The second part of the reference book provides biographical information about the pupils of the Academy (painters, sculptors, architects, engravers, medallists, minters).