The finest original rococco interiors in Russia embellish Catherine the Great’s personal dacha and the first palace she built as Tsarina
Catherine the Great’s retreat for relaxing in private which survived World War Two and the German occupation intact. This is unique for a suburban St. Petersburg palace. Includes the ‘Glass Bead Salon’, one of the most original and delicate rooms in Russia. The palace derives its name from three rooms in ‘chinoserie’ style and was built by Antonio Rinaldi from 1762-1774
Project overview
To address the key challenges at the Chinese Palace WMF Britain had to field a team who could adapt to the modus operandi of working in Russia. Conservation within the Russian State Heritage sector is not considered easy or straightforward. Read more
History
The history of Oranienbaum stretches back beyond Catherine the Great’s arrival on the scene. The main palace dates from 1710, when the friend of Peter the Great, Alexander Menshikov, built himself an extravagant palace there, more so than any palace of Peter’s in fact. Read more
The Chinese Palace in Oranienbaum covers a whole period of Russian art history. The Empress at last came to the throne and in this palace, she fulfilled her long-existing dreams. Fortunately it was the brilliant architect Antonio Rinaldi, Italian painters and Russian craftsmen who gave life and form to these dreams in fascinating, intimate and striking interiors. There is nothing in Russia to match the richness and freshness of Oranienbaum rococo – an almost unique example of this style in Russia.
Dmitry Schvidkovsky, Head of Architectural History at the Moscow Institute of Architecture, and author of The Empress and the Architect
Location
Lat: 59.933333, Lon: 30.333333
Facts
Location: 30km South-West of St. Petersburg, near Peterhof
Project dates: 2000-ongoing
WMF Britain project cost: £1 million pounds
Key Funders: : The Robert W. Wilson Challenge to Conserve Our Heritage (£110,000) also supported by the Samuel H. Kress Foundation (£18,000) and others
Watch List: Placed on the 2000 and 2002 Watch Lists
Long view across lake
Project partners
Ove Arup and Partners
Denley King, Tobit Curteis Associates (climatologist)
KGIOP (St. Petersburg Committee for the State Inspection and Protection of Historic Monuments)
State Museum of Peterhof
