MIKHAILOVSKY (ST. MICHAEL'S) CASTLE

Mikhailovsky Castle - now a branch of the Russian Museum - is one of the most mysterious buildings in St. Petersburg. The history of the castle, built in 1797-1800 for Russia's most enigmatic monarch - Emperor Paul I, made quite a few dramatic turns. In the early 1990s the castle finally became a part of the Russian Museum. It now houses the Russian Museum's Portrait Gallery, featuring official portraits of the Russian Emperors and Empresses, as well as of various dignitaries and celebrities from the late 17th to the early 20th century. The Mikhailovsky Castle also houses an array of semi- permanent and temporary exhibitions - see current exhibition listings.

Mikhailovsky Castle was built by Vincenzo Brenna in 1797- 1800 as a residence for the Emperor Paul I. Due to Paul's interest in Medieval knights and constant fear of assassinations the palace was built like a castle and was surrounded by ditches with draw-bridges. Ironically, Paul I was assassinated in his own bedroom on March 12, 1801, shortly after he moved into his newly-built castle. After Paul's death Mikhailovsky castle was abandoned and later, in 1819, was given to the army's Main Engineering School (later - Nikolayevskaya Enginering Academy). Since that time the castle is often referred to as the Engineers' Castle. In 1838-43 Fyodor Dostoyevsky was a cadet of the Main Engineering School, before choosing a career in writing.

In the Soviet days Mikhailovsky Castle was split between several organizations, both military and civilian, until in the early 1990s it was given to the Russian Museum. Restoration still goes on at Mikhailovsky Castle, and although restoration of its octagonal courtyard is not finished yet, excellent exhibitions already put the castle on the cultural map of St. Petersburg.