Restoration of interiors of the Imperial Railway Pavilion at Tsarskoye Selo

PHOTO: the Imperial Railway Pavilion is currently covered with a false building cover

The Imperial Railway Pavilion at Tsarskoye Selo is currently covered with a temporary false building cover, but inside, great progress is being made on the restoration of the building’s interiors to their historic original.

Recall that in the summer of 2023, work began on the restoration of the Imperial Railway Pavilion to it’s historic original, under the direction of the Tsarskoye Selo Station Foundation.

Earlier this year the Contractor, Heritage-Project Restoration Workshop LLC, received permission from the Committee on State Use and Protection of Historical and Cultural Monuments of St. Petersburg to carry out work at the Imperial Train Pavilion’s interiors.

The richly decorated interiors were originally stylized as chambers with heavy stone vaults. The decoration of the facades and interiors corresponded to the grand presentation of the station, being an example of a synthesis of architecture, monumental painting and decorative art, which successfully combined the forms of ancient Russian architecture of the 17th century. The imperial chambers of the pavilion were painted by the artist M. I. Kurilko, reflecting the chambers of the beloved suburban palace of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich.

According to restorers, many of the building’s original details have surprisingly been well preserved. The historical painting of the dome of the main entrance to the Tsar’s Station has been miraculously preserved – a photograph shows an area which had been cleaned, revealing the colourful painting underneath. Early 20th century watercolours, drawings and photographs of the interiors – which have been preserved in archives – will be of great assistance to artists in their efforts to restore the once beautiful interiors to their historic original.

Once the restoration is completed, the building were serve as a mutli-purpose museum. There are plans to use the Imperial Pavilion for other purposes, including a Wedding Palace. In addition, the façade of the building, it’s rich interiors and painted vaults will be offered as an ideal place for celebrations and photo shoots.

As you can see from the photos below, great orogress is being made on the restoration of the interiors, the goal being to restore them to their historic appearance.

PHOTOS © Tsarskoye Selo Station Foundation

PHOTOS © Tsarskoye Selo Station Foundation

PHOTOS © Tsarskoye Selo Station Foundation

FURTHER READING:

This author has been closely following the progress of this project since August 2023. Below are my articles which provide details on the restoration of this historic building, the Imperial Train of the last Russian Emperor, among others . . . .

Reconstruction of the Imperial Pavilion in Tsarskoye Selo – features 9 photos

Imperial Railway Pavilion in Tsarskoye Selo is being restored – features 13 photos of the initial restoration work

Update on the restoration of the Imperial Railway Pavilion at Tsarskoye Selo

Artist concept of Imperial Railway Pavilion restoration project at Tsarskoye Selo – features VIDEO

The sad state of the Imperial Railway Pavilion at Tsarskoye Selo – features 20 photos!

Imperial Railway Pavilions during the reign of Nicholas II

The fate of Nicholas II’s Imperial Train – features 8 historic photos