The Winter Palace of Peter I was opened as a part of the Hermitage in
1992, this unique 18th-century architectural monument having
been only recently uncovered. It had been thought that with the construction
of the Hermitage Theatre (architect Giacomo Quarenghi), Peter I's main
residence in the capital had been razed to the ground. But documents of
the period recorded that the architect retained not only the walls of
the ground and first floors, but also several rooms of different function.
In the course of research conducted by Hermitage architects between
1976 and 1986, a large fragment of the former state courtyard was located
beneath the theatre's stage. On two sides the courtyard was surrounded
by arcaded galleries and suites of palace apartments.
A fragment of the small residential block was discovered beneath the
hall. During the time of Peter I these were the “small chambers” (architect
Mattarnovi, 1716-1720) and consisted of several private rooms used by
Peter himself.
Additionally, 12 private rooms belonging to the Empress Catherine I were
retained on two floors facing the Winter Canal (architect Domenico Trezzini).
The restoration and reconstruction works were carried out jointly by the
Finnish company Puolimatka (1988-1989) and the Hermitage Restoration Department.
If you enjoyed this collection, you might want to also visit the other
collections at the State Hermitage Museum.
The Siberian Collection of Peter I
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Complete playbill of all St. Petersburg,Russia theatres, shows, concerts, etc. !
World-known music festival "The Stars of the White Nights".