History and culture: Model of the Grand Kremlin Palace, created in the XVIII century by Vasily Bazhenov, presented in Moscow

The A. V. Schusev State Museum of Architecture demonstrates in the permanent exposition a model of the Grand Kremlin Palace, created in 70s by the great Russian Architect Vasily Bazhenov.

The model is a unique monument of the Classical period and one of the most ambitious architectural models in the world. Its creation is due to the ambitious plans of Catherine II: to build on the site of the Kremlin walls the greatest palace, indicating the strength and might of the Russian crown.

The implementation was entrusted to a young architect Vasily Bazhenov. Developed project radically changed the whole complexion of the Kremlin and the Red Square ensemble. The work over the model of the Grand Kremlin Palace was led by architects of the best Russian and German masters, there was built a special model house.

The model perfectly embodies the architect's design and features accurate reproduction of all details. Its central part is made of the split that opens the viewer to view staterooms. This is the earliest in the Russian classical palace interiors project of this scale and one of the few extant interiors of Bazhenov.

The ceremonial laying of the palace took place June on 1, 1773, but two years later widely-scale construction was stopped by the Empress. Architectural ensemble of Bazhenov was not to take place on the Kremlin hill, but the model of the palace remained ambitious projects of the Russian monarchy, an architectural symbol of the Enlightenment in Russia.

Today, most surviving fragments of the model are presented to visitors of the Schusev State Museum of Architecture with a continuous exposure. It reminds us of the time of brilliant and bold projects that are the glory of the Russian state.