Grand Palace, Moscow

Bolshoi Dvorets is a palace that is part of the Tsaritsynsky palace and park ensemble. Built by Matvei Kazakov in 1786-1796 on the site of Vasily Bazhenov's demolished buildings, the palace became the main structure for the failed residence of Catherine II near Moscow.

Performed in the pseudo-Gothic style characteristic of Tsaritsyn, the Great Tsaritsyn Palace bears clear features of classicism and is a striking monument of 18th-century architecture. During its history, the building has not found a worthy use, and at the beginning of the 19th century it began to turn into a picturesque ruin.

In 2005-2007 the ruined building, of which only the outer walls remained, was restored in the process of restoration and reconstruction of the palace and park ensemble. The reconstruction of the building was severely criticized in the media by experts - restorers and architects. At the present time the palace is used to accommodate expositions of the museum-reserve "Tsaritsyno", for art exhibitions and concerts.