Mikhailovsky (Engineers') Castle

About museum

Mikhailovsky Castle is the only palace building in the style of Romantic Classicism in Russia. It was built in 1797–1801 to a design by Paul I and architects A.-F.-G. Violle, V. Brenna, and V. I. Bazhenov. It was consecrated in honor of the Archangel Michael on 8 November 1800 and served as the imperial residence for forty days. In 1822 the building was transferred to the Engineering School and received a new name — the Engineers' Castle. In 1991 it became part of the State Russian Museum. Today it houses the exhibitions 'Faces of Russia', 'Romanov Gallery', 'Petersburg Society of the Romanov Era', the open sculpture collection of the late 19th–early 20th centuries and original sculpture from the Summer Garden, and temporary exhibitions are regularly held. Visitors are offered a unique opportunity to become acquainted with the history and splendor of imperial Russia.