Mikhailovsky (Engineering) Castle

Mikhailovsky Castle is the only palace structure in Russia in the style of romantic classicism. It was built in 1797-1801 as the grand residence of Emperor Paul I. The general idea and the first sketches belonged to Pavel Petrovich himself. The project was attended by architects A.-F.-G. Violier, V. Brenna, V.I. Bazhenov. The castle was consecrated in honor of Saint Archangel Michael on November 8, 1800.

Mikhailovsky Castle served as the imperial residence for 40 days. On the night of March 11-12, 1801, Paul I was killed in his bedroom, becoming a victim of a palace conspiracy.

In 1822, the building was transferred to the Engineering School and received a new name - Engineering Castle.

Mikhailovsky Castle became part of the State Russian Museum in 1991.

Currently, the restored halls present the expositions “Faces of Russia”, “Romanov Gallery”, “Petersburg Society of the Romanov Era”, “Open Fund of Sculpture of the late XIX – early XX centuries” and a genuine sculpture of the Summer Garden, temporary exhibitions are regularly held.