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Restoration of the Chariot of Glory on the General
Staff Arch
Restoration of one of the largest ancient monuments of St. Petersburg,
the Chariot of Glory atop the General Staff Arch, was started in 2000
according to the Greater Hermitage Project. The works carried out by the
Hermitage are financed by the state and Interros Holding Company.
The Chariot of Glory on the General Staff Arch (1819-1829, architect K.I.
Rossi) is one of the symbols of St. Petersburg. The monument was suggested
by Emperor Nicholas I and sculpted in 1828 by Vasily I. Demut-Malinovsky
and Stepan S. Pimenov to celebrate Russia's victory over the Napoleonic
France in 1812-1814.
During 170 years of its existence the Chariot of Glory was partially repaired
four times (in 1843, 1851, 1887 and 1906); the reason was the monument's
complicated circumstances and original defects in its design. During last
94 years the Chariot of Glory was never repaired (only painted in 1945);
as a result, its condition became very poor. An examination showed that
the monument's disintegration was likely. It is planned to complete the
restoration works in three years, by the city's tercentenary.
Restoration of the Chariot of Glory is one more important stage in the
realization of the Greater Hermitage Program. Already now visitors can
see the exhibition Under the Sign of the Eagle: Empire Art displayed in
historical interiors of the General Staff's eastern wing. The exhibition
was organized due to the generous support of Mrs. Jayne Wrightsman (U.S.A.)
and Vladimir Potanin, President of Interros.
According to the Greater Hermitage Program, the central part of the historical
St. Petersburg will be reorganized. The Museum will create around Palace
Square a cultural center of unique scale that will include new exhibitions
of the Hermitage and entertainment and shopping centers open to Petersburger
and guests of the city.
Restoration of the Chariot of Glory is financed on behalf of the state
by the State Monument Protection Inspection and Interros Holding Company,
long-term partner of the State Hermitage Museum.
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Chariot of Glory
1828
Vasily I. Demut-Malinovsky, Stepan S. Pimenov
Goddess of Glory
Dismantling of constructions
Figure of a warrior
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