An original architectural memorial, Michael's (Engineers') Castle was built as the formal residence of Pavel I in 1797-1801. Architects Vasily Bazhenov and Vincenzo Brenna constucted an architectural fantasy on the theme of a Middle Ages castle. Carlo Bartolomew Rastrelli's memorial to Peter I was erected in front of the palace's main facade in 1800. Following the death of Pavel I, the Primary Engineers' College was located here, giving the palace its second name. Currently, a permanent exhibition of formal court portraits is on display in Michael's Castle. This is the first attempt to create a national portrait gallery in Russia. The basis of the exhibit is made up of representative portraits of Russian monarchs from Peter I to Nicholas II and also numerous representatives of the tsars' families. Supplementing this gallery are portraits of leading generals and state figures of Russia. Many of the portraits were done by famous national and foreign masters.
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