Catherine II’s son only managed to implement his plan after he came to the throne in November 1796. A solemn ceremony of laying the foundation of the castle took place on February 28, 1797. The construction was managed by architect Brenna, who amended the original project and designed the interiors. On November 8, 1800, on the day of Saint Archangel Mikhail, the castle was consecrated, however, the work on its interiors continued until March 1801.

Distinctive design of the building, combining conflicting architectural trends and stylistic features, makes it stand out in the history of Russian Classicism. However, it is Mikhailovsky Castle that is considered to be the most significant symbol of Pavel’s era, clearly reflecting the artistic taste and the peculiar personality of its owner and principal creator — Emperor Pavel I. The immense size of the “palace of Saint Mikhail” (as the castle was referred to in the documents of the XVIII century), dominated the island lapped by the waters of the Moika and the Fontanka rivers from the northern and the eastern sides. On the western and the southern sides there were two specially dug canals — Resurrection Canal and Church Canal. The system of the castle fortifications, surrounding the palace and Connetable Square in front of it, included canals, demi-bastions, drawbridges and cannons. In the centre of the square was a monument to Peter I, designed in 1745-1747 after a model by B.C. Rastrelli made in the lifetime of the outstanding great-grandfather of Pavel I.

Mikhailovsky Castle was the Emperor’s residence only for 40 days. On the night of March 12, 1801, Emperor Pavel I was assassinated in his bedroom, falling victim to a palace coup. Soon after, all valuables were transferred from the castle, and the state rooms were used by different administrative institutions some were even turned into apartments.

In the early 1820s the building was handed over to the Central College of Engineering. In February 1823 it was named Engineers’ Castle. After the death of Emperor Nicholas I, the patron of the college, the institution became known as Nicholaevsky Academy and College of Engineering. Many prominent Russians were lecturers or graduates of this academy, among them: writers F.M. Dostoevsky and D.V. Grigorovich, scientists I.M. Sechenov and P.N. Yablochkov, composer T.A.Kui, the hero of the Sebastopol War E.I. Totleben, and many others.

For two centuries, as the building accommodated military and academic institutions (and, later, different Soviet institutions), the layout of the ensemble was changed multiple times, with structures rebuilt and interiors redesigned.

In 1991 Mikhailovsky Castle became part of the State Russian Museum.

Architecture and interiors

The palace design is centred around a square with rounded corners, with a rectangle of the ceremonial courtyard inside. Each facade has its own “face”, making the building particularly picturesque and allowing a diversity of views from different angles. Despite that, the palace produces an integral impression due to the common granite plinth, cornice, and uniform decorative elements.

The main facade is particularly solemn and monumental. A powerful element of its design are two marble obelisks decorated with military symbols and gilt monograms of Pavel I. There is a bas-relief in the tympanum of the pediment called “History noting down the glory of Russia in its records”, designed by the Stagi brothers. There is an inscription on the cornice above the pediment which is a variation on the last lines of Psalm 92 in the Bible: “Your house will flourish in the courts of our God”.

The northern facade facing the Summer Garden has a completely different design. Its sculptural decoration, a wide gently rising staircase, the colonnade and the balcony are traditional elements of a facade overlooking the garden, referring to its connection with nature.

The eastern facade overlooking the Fontanka has a semi-circular protrusion in the wall, topped by a steepled turret complete with flagpole, which flew the imperial banner signifying Pavel I’s presence in the castle. Its modest design matches the facades of the “particular” houses on the opposite bank of the Fontanka.

The design of the western (church) facade particularly reflects architect Brenna’s talent for abundant and spectacular decoration, which attracted Pavel. The church’s straight lines are interrupted by a large protrusion in the centre of the wall, and the sculptural decoration signifies the religious role of this structure.

The interiors of Mikhailovsky Castle were referred to by contemporaries as “the epitome of luxury and taste”. Among the designers were monumental painters P., C. and J. Scotti, A. Vigi, J. Mettenleiter, sculptors C. Albani, I.P. Prokofiev, P.I. Sokolov, artists I.A. Akimov, A.M. Ivanov, and others. Similarly to many other palaces of the aristocracy of that time, the castle served both the main residence of the royal family and as an art gallery accommodating collections of Ancient, Western- European and Russia art. The suite of state rooms, comprising the Antique Room, Rafael’s Gallery, Laocoon Gallery, and the Arabesque Gallery, were located along the perimeter of the courtyard and accommodated world class works of art from Pavel I’s collection. Many elements of interior design were based on sketches by Vincenzo Brenna and his young apprentice Carlo Rossi.

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