Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –
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The restoration of the Swiss House at the Kuskovo Estate has been completed. About the revival of a historical site popular with locals Sergei Sobyanin told in his blog.
"Hundreds of thousands of guests visit the famous Moscow estate of Kuskovo every year. Some come to the museum to admire the art. Others come to the forest park to participate in the vibrant city festivals 'Summer in Moscow' and 'Winter in Moscow,'" wrote Sergei Sobyanin.
Kuskovo is a popular park for residents of Veshnyaki and other nearby neighborhoods. People come here to stroll with their children, jog, or simply relax on the benches beneath the centuries-old linden trees. The ambiance of the 18th-century estate is also perfect for filming—historical films are often filmed on its grounds.
Phased restoration
Since 2017, the city has been gradually restoring this unique architectural and park complex with a three-hundred-year history to preserve it for future generations of Muscovites. They began with the formal park and the adjacent forest park, where themed playgrounds have been installed.
Jogging and cycling paths were installed for exercise. Additionally, playgrounds for seniors were created, along with a skate park and pump track. The space became comfortable for all visitors. The Humpbacked Bridge was also restored, redesigned to resemble the Dutch House located nearby.
Specialists carried out ecological rehabilitation of the Lokasinsky, Raduzhnye, Sukhoi, Maly, and Sobachy (Forest) ponds, as well as the Bolshoy Dvortsovy Pond canal. The pond itself was cleaned.
Concurrently, work was carried out on the facades of the palace, the Dutch House, and the Italian House. Today, these buildings once again appear as they were originally intended. Their exhibition halls house museum exhibits.
The outbuildings, including the forge, drying room, and carriage house, were also given attention. They now house an art studio and offices. Furthermore, the restoration of the Grotto pavilion, the obelisk, and the column with the statue of Minerva was completed.
Swiss House
Last month, work was completed on the wooden bell tower, and this month, on the Swiss House, a cultural heritage site of federal significance.
The building was commissioned by Count Sergei Sheremetev and erected in the 19th century. The design was created by Nikolai Benois, Peterhof's chief architect. He succeeded in incorporating an Alpine motif into the estate's overall ensemble. The first floor is finished in brick, while the second floor is adorned with fine wood carvings—the architect was inspired by mountain chalets.
During the restoration, specialists strived to preserve every detail envisioned in the original design. First, they restored the pavement and basement, then reinforced the stone first floor, painted to resemble brickwork. The facades were carefully cleaned, treated with special compounds, plastered, and painted.
Restoring the wooden frame proved a challenging task. During the work, it had to be separated from the stone portion and suspended on a special system to replace the damaged lower crown.
The restorers took special care in preserving the large balcony on the second floor, as well as the decorative wooden columns that support the roof.
Equal attention was paid to the carved wooden porch at the entrance. At the rear of the house, the wooden staircase leading to the balcony was restored.
Inside the house, the historic stoves were restored. They are lined with white tiles with a blue border and brighten the space. At the same time, the brickwork of the chimneys and stove pipes was recreated. The windows and doors, porches, western and northern galleries, and roof were restored.
"Now the Swiss House once again looks as Nikolai Benois intended. Visitors can see this unique building in all its glory. And once the exhibition is complete, the interiors will be open to the public," the Moscow Mayor noted.
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Soon, specialists will begin restoration of several other Kuskovo monuments—five menageries (bird houses), the American greenhouse, the manager's house, the hermitage, the greenhouse, and the kitchen. Research and development work has already begun, and the results will be used as the basis for the project plans.
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