Arsenal Pavilion in Alexandrovsky Park

The "Arsenal" pavilion was built in the Alexander Park of Tsarskoye Selo in 1819-1834, designed by architects Adam Menelas and Alexander Ton. The building with four towers reminds us of the fortress architecture, and this project was chosen not by chance. The Imperial Museum of Arms occupied this pavilion, and it became one of the first Russian museums.

This pavilion is located in the center of the Alexander Park, and the expression "in the center" can also be understood in the figurative sense. It was the construction of the Arsenal that started the whole architectural and park complex to be perceived as romantic "medieval" decoration. Before its construction, the Baroque Monbijo Pavilion stood on this place. This pavilion was similar to the Hermitage Pavilion, preserved in the neighboring Catherine Park. The photo of the Hermitage Pavilion was found in my photo archive. I took this photo while walking in the parks of Tsarskoye Selo in November last year, so it is not the golden autumn but the first snow:

So if you want to admire tidy paths and white and blue park pavilions in the baroque style, head to Catherine Park. And in Alexandrovsky Park, you'll see a free layout, unusual-shaped buildings, romantic ruins, and the like.

The collection of weapons was placed in the new pavilion under Emperor Nicholas I. His son, the Russian Emperor Alexander II, was also fond of collecting weapons; he often brought interesting specimens from his travels. Especially for the nascent museum, in 1861, at the auction in Paris, he purchased a unique collection of Prince Peter Saltykov's eastern weapons. However, in 1885, Nicholas I's grandson, Emperor Alexander III, decided to transfer the collection to the Imperial Hermitage. Some exhibits from the Arsenal can be seen in the Knight's Hall.

Arsenal in Tsarskoye Selo. 1870. Author: Adam Menelos

Arsenal in Tsarskoye Selo. 1870. Author: Adam Menelos

The Arsenal and other park pavilions were severely damaged during the Second World War and beyond. The restorers' efforts were primarily aimed at restoring the Catherine Palace and the Parade Park. Strange as it may seem, this neglect had a strong artistic effect. Alexander Park's pavilions were built to look as romantic as possible, and the lack of renovation over the years made their appearance more expressive.

Park path at the Arsenal Pavilion

The restoration was started in 2012 and finished in 2016. Permanent exposition "Tsarskoselsky Arsenal. Imperial Arms Collection" is working in the Arsenal Pavilion now.