Initially, this was the name of the fortification, which was located next to the gate and was intended to accommodate the guard. The name comes from the French phrase “corps de garde”, which literally translates as “body for the guard”. Usually, the guardrooms were symmetrical and were located on either side of the gate.

Later, when creating large ensembles of monarchical or aristocratic residences, the guardhouse began to be used to decorate the front gate. The corps de garde plays the role of the first architectural accent, which prepares the visitor for further perception of the palace and park ensemble along the main compositional axis.

At present, the gardens of the Russian Museum have two guardhouses, which are part of the Mikhailovsky Garden ensemble. They stand on the sides of Klenovaya Street and behind them, a beautiful view of the Mikhailovsky Castle and Engineering Square opens up.

Guardrooms were built during the time of Paul I. Then they housed the guard. In the subsequent period, they were occupied by the military department. Now in the western guardhouse there are the “Russian Museum Multimedia Center” and the “Russian Museum: Virtual Branch” project. In the eastern guardhouse there is the Center for Museum Pedagogy and Children’s Creativity at the Russian Museum.

Enjoy your walks in the gardens of the Russian Museum. And be sure to go to Engineering Square and admire the beauty of the guardhouse of the Mikhailovsky Garden.

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