Historic Residences in Moscow—Part 2
Kuskovo
The estate used to be a summer residence of the Sheremetev family in the 18th century; since then it has been turned into a museum. Adjoining the estate is the only formal garden—a symmetrical garden that prioritises a formal layout with geometric shapes—that has been preserved in Moscow, with original marble sculptures still intact. There you can see a variety of buildings—other than the palace itself, there is a church, a kitchen, a grotto, several greenhouses, a pottery studio, and even an aviary that houses peacocks.
The palace regularly exhibits historic items and archaeological findings, from ceramics and beadwork to furniture and portraits, and one of the greenhouses often hosts concerts of classical music. Many cafes and restaurants are open for a visit as well.
Address: 2 Yunosti Ulitsa
Tickets (for students): to enter the grounds—50 RUB; to visit the palace—250 RUB.
Ostankino
This large estate located near Ostankino traces its history back to the 16th century, throughout which it was owned by various boyars and princes. Later, by the 18th century, it came into the Sheremetev family’s possession and reached its prime as an architectural example of classicism. After an extensive restoration in recent years, visitors can not only see the original appearance of the residence, but also visit the surrounding park with its scenic views and appreciate the smaller buildings located there. These include a church and, uniquely, a theatre with many kinds of 18th-century theatre equipment, inventory, and machinery exhibited inside. From there, you can walk directly to VDNH—it is a 15-minute walk through the park grounds.
Though the interior rooms are not yet fully on display, the museum currently holds an exhibition dedicated to the unique experience of restoring the palace.
Address: 5 Pervaya Ostankinskaya Ulitsa
Exhibition tickets (for students): 150 RUB
Park entry is free
Vorontsovo
Another estate built between the late 18th century and the early 19th century, Vorontsovo is now more widely known as a recreational park. A major part of the estate has not yet been restored, but some of the original architecture remains—including the main entrance gates, a greenhouse, a church, and ruins of other buildings. The park with a pond is now the main attraction, and it has become a centre of the local community. The park provides a platform for open lectures, workshops, photo exhibitions, and theatre plays. What’s more, visitors are officially allowed to have picnics on the lawns.
Address: 7 Vorontsovsky Park
Park entry is free
Catherine Palace and Lefortovsky Park
Situated in Lefortovo, this is the only imperial palace that can currently be found in Moscow. Although visitors cannot enter the palace itself, you can look at its architecture from the outside—it is another example of 18th-century Russian classicism. It is surrounded by a large park, Lefortovsky Park, considered to be one of the oldest parks in Moscow; its layout has been preserved since Peter the Great’s times. Other than the alleyways and the pond, which have been restored, there remains a part of an original supporting wall with decorative columns and niches—known as the grotto—as well as a round gazebo. The park itself is quiet and peaceful, making it the perfect spot for a meditative stroll.
Address: 3/5 Krasnokursantsky Proezd
Park entry is free
