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14.07.2022

The restoration of the Imperial Farm at the edge of the Alexander Park near the Martial Chamber of Tsarskoe Selo, has almost reached the end of its first stage.

The nineteenth-century complex of buildings was designed by the Scottish-born architect Adam Menelaws and built in 1818–28. It includes:

  • Highest Presence Pavilion
  • Caretaker's House
  • Cowshed / Stable
  • East and West for Merino Wings
  • Dairy Pavilion
  • Poultry House
  • Sheep and Goat Pavilion
  • Carriage Shed
  • Three outbuildings (storage stalls, a calf barn and a bathhouse)

The buildings were mostly in disrepair until the 1990s when the West Merino Wing, the Cowshed and the courtyard underwent some restoration for service use by the Museum. A decision was adopted in 2010 to continue restoration. The project became part of a federal targeted investment program, with the Museum's funds as well.

The decade from 2012 to 2022 saw the historic layout of the Imperial Farm fully restored, as well as the buildings' exteriors and interiors.

Works of the first stage include: the Stable for 30 horses; the West Merino Wing to house the Children's Centre and a cafe; the Poultry House, the Sheep and Goat Pavilion, and the Carriage Shed. Those are expected to be finished in the late 2022 or early 2023.

The second stage of restoration will include: the East Merino Wing to house service rooms and lecture halls; the Caretaker's House and the Highest Presence Pavilion to house a hotel; the Dairy Pavilion to house exhibition rooms.

The Imperial Farm will be accessible for wheelchairs.