Lomonosov: Park and Palace History

• Oranienbaum Park covers 162 hectares and combines formal and landscape compositions.
• The Chinese Palace is located in the Upper Park and is part of Empress Catherine II’s “Own Dacha” palace and park ensemble.
• The city received its current name in 1948 in honor of the Russian scholar Mikhail Vasilyevich Lomonosov.

The Chinese Palace lies deep within the Upper Park and is surrounded by greenery on all sides. Its location in the park and its place within the “Own Dacha” ensemble are two distinct points of reference: one describes where the palace is situated, while the other describes its connection to Empress Catherine II’s palace and park ensemble.

The Grand Menshikov Palace is Oranienbaum’s oldest building. Of the buildings at Peterstadt, only the Palace of Peter III and the Honor Gate have survived. The miniature Palace of Peter III is considered one of the most accomplished works of 18th-century architecture thanks to its balanced proportions and elaborate decoration. Thus, the distinction of being the oldest building and the architectural assessment of an individual palace represent two different aspects of the cultural heritage.

Until the 1770s, formal composition was the main design principle at Oranienbaum Park. It was later replaced by a landscape composition. The sequence matters: landscape design took the place of the formerly dominant formal composition. These were not two principles of equal standing from the outset, but rather a shift in the guiding design concept.

The terms help put the park’s history into context: a formal composition is based on more ordered design elements, while a landscape composition follows a layout designed to evoke natural scenery. If you are interested in garden and landscape history, this change over time offers a specific perspective on the 162-hectare historic park.

Lomonosov’s current name commemorates Mikhail Vasilyevich Lomonosov: the city was named in honor of the Russian scholar in 1948. Another story from the surrounding area takes you to the village of Ust-Ruditsa near Oranienbaum. Lomonosov founded a colored-glass factory there in 1754.

The permanent exhibition at the Picture House also offers a specific insight into art and collection spaces. It comprises five rooms: the Double Hall, the Painting Hall, the Cabinet-Library, and two rooms of the Kunstkamera. Check current access arrangements before your visit.

In the broader destination of Saint Petersburg, an urban architectural context adds another perspective on Lomonosov: Saint Petersburg’s architectural heritage brings together Baroque and Neoclassical styles, as seen in the Admiralty, Winter Palace, Marble Palace, and Hermitage. City planning began in 1703 under Peter the Great; Saint Petersburg’s urban landscape includes numerous canals and more than 400 bridges. The city rises from the mouth of the Neva, where the Neva meets the Gulf of Finland.

Discover more destinations: Strelna, Levashovo, Solnechnoye, Pontonnyy, Olgino, Metallostroy, Pargolovo, Volodarskaya.

Where is the Chinese Palace located?

It lies deep within the Upper Park, is surrounded by greenery, and is part of Empress Catherine II’s “Own Dacha” palace and park ensemble.

How did the design of Oranienbaum Park change?

Formal composition was the main design principle until the 1770s; it was later replaced by a landscape composition.

Which rooms are included in the Picture House permanent exhibition?

The five rooms include the Double Hall, the Painting Hall, the Cabinet-Library, and two rooms of the Kunstkamera. Check current access arrangements before your visit.

For the broader travel overview: Saint Petersburg.