Moscow Information Guide |Rus-a| Kuskovo Estate

Discover Kuskovo

The Kuskovo estate belonged to the earls Sheremetev and was intended for magnificent receptions of crowded, theatrical festivals, and festivities. 

Kuskovo is a unique architectural ensemble of the XVIII century, one of the most beautiful noble residences of the Russian Empire. Right now there are about 20 unique monuments of architecture, including a Large Stone Orangery, Grotto, Palace, old Church and many others.
In Kuskovo you can walk along the beautifully preserved French Park with marble sculptures, original pavilions, and ponds. The center of the architectural ensemble is the magnificent Palace, with the original design and the rich decoration of the interiors. 
 

In 1919 the estate became a Museum, and since 1938 (after the transfer to Kuskovo Russia's only Ceramics Museum) was renamed “the State Museum of Ceramics and "Kuskovo." Today it is one of the world's largest holders of ceramics and glass collections of different countries from antiquity to modern times.
Annually, the Museum organizes exhibitions: concerts of classical music, following the old tradition of the estate of the celebrations, receptions, and festivals.

History

Peter Borisovich Sheremetev built Kuskovo in the late XVIII century. He was a son and heir of the famous Petrovsky field Marshal, the first Russian count Boris Petrovich Sheremetev. The Palace was built by architect Karl Blank and was intended for ceremonial receptions. Kuskovo is considered to be a good example of early classicism with Baroque elements. 
When the French occupied Moscow in 1812, Kuskovo was a residence for the soldiers of Marshal Ney. In the 30s of the XIX century, the mansion theatre was dismantled. The same fate befell the two pavilions on the sides of the Dutch house. Since the beginning of the 19th century, Kuskovo has been used for cottages only.
The last owner of the estate until the 1917 revolution was Sergei Dmitrievich Sheremetev.

Kuskovo territory 

Italian house. It was built for guests’ entertaining, but in smaller and more intimate setting than the main Palace. Italian house looked like a little museum of Kuskovo residence because earl Sheremetyev stored his collections of paintings and rare items there. 
 

Dutch house. It is settled near the bank of the pond. Inside it is decorated with ceramic tiles and it gives an illusion that you are sitting in a quiet place in the Netherlands, like on the shore of the channel somewhere near Amsterdam.

Grot. It was a place of Catherine’s II dinner, during her visits to Kuskovo. The architect of the grot wanted to reflect two elements of nature: water and stone.That is why the interior of grot is made of pearl shells, and the walls are decorated with colorful glass. 

Hermitage Pavilion. Hermitage means, “quiet place” in French. The pavilion was built as a place of solitude if someone wanted to leave the bustling bale and spend a time in a quiet place. Only people who were close to Earl could get to this place. The pavilion has two floors: the first was occupied by servants and second was for guests. Servants were not allowed to go to the second floor and due to this, snacks and drinks were served by the special mechanism and no one could disturb the guests.
 

In addition, in Kuskovo, there are a greenhouse, an aviary, a church, a bell tower and an open-air theatre. Today Kuskovo is a big historical museum. The inside decoration has remained unchanged from Sheremetyevs’ times. On the weekends Kuskovo is crowded, because many concerts, festivals, and events are held here all year round.

 

Directions

Metro station "Ryazanskiy prospect", then bus. 133 and 208 to the stop "Museum Kuskovo";
Metro station "Vykhino", then bus. 409, 620 to OST. "Museum Kuskovo";
Metro station "Novogireevo", then the trol. 64, ed. 615, 247 to OST. "Street of Youth."