The Kuskovo Estate, nicknamed the Moscow Versailles due to its formal French gardens, is a perfect example of an 18th century Muscovite country residence. Designed and built by the Sheremetyev family, one of the wealthiest and most powerful in Russia, the estate was used by several generations of the family as a Summer residence and a site for private receptions, celebrations and festivities until 1918. The estate comprises a pink stucco-covered central Palace, designed by the architect Fyodor Argunov, a yellow, white and green Grotto, a Dutch Palace, an Italian Museum and numerous other architectural follies, including a black obelisk built to commemorate a visit by Catherine the Great. These buildings were designed and built by both French and Russian architects and took over 40 years to complete. They sit amidst an extensive landscaped park, which includes formal French gardens, ponds, lakes and Russian and Italian sculptures.

The centerpiece of the estate, the wedding cake-like main Palace, is constructed entirely of wood and although damaged by the French during the Napoleonic Wars of 1812, has since been completely restored to its former glory. The Palace boasts impressive interiors as well as a superb collection of 18th century Russian and European paintings, decorative arts and crafts.

The estate's Museum possesses an impressive collection of ceramics and glassware, including more than 33,000 pieces of Italian majolica, Venetian, English and Russian glassware and Meissen, Sevres and Oriental porcelain. However, Kuskovo's most prized pieces are to be found in its extensive collection of Russian porcelain, which boasts works from all of the country's porcelain manufacturers from throughout the ages of the craft.

CURRENCY

	US Dollar	$
	Euro	€
	Russian Rouble	RUB

	Copyright © 2000-2009 Moscow Hotels, JSC. All rights reserved.
	Terms and Conditions \| Privacy Policy \| Copyright Statement