Karl Rossi Exhibition: A Celebration of Talent and Genius

Karl Rossi: The Architect Who Left His Mark on Russia

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I recently visited the exhibition celebrating Karl Rossi's 250th anniversary, and I'm still blown away by his talent. As an architect, painter, and engineer, Rossi left an indelible mark on Russia's architectural landscape. The exhibition at Petrovsky Fortress is a must-visit for anyone interested in history, art, or architecture.

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I recently visited the exhibition celebrating the 250th anniversary of the great architect Karl Rossi, and I'm reminded once again - a talented person is talented in everything. We all know that it was Rossi's designs and projects that created so many beautiful and unique architectural masterpieces in Russia, a country that became his second home after Italy.

But if you visit the exhibition, you'll also discover his talent as a painter and a brilliant engineer. Let's go through it all.

In the Engineer's House on the territory of Petrovsky Fortress, from November 27, 2025 to March 1, 2026 (you can find this information on the website and at the entrance to the building), there's a jubilee exhibition dedicated to Rossi. It features over a hundred of his works.

Among them are architectural projects of what was built in St. Petersburg and its surroundings, decorative and applied art items, and furniture designs.

Karl Rossi arrived in Russia at the end of the 18th century with his family. His path in architecture began under the guidance of Vincenzo Brenna, where he participated in designing Pavlovsk and building the Mikhailovsky Castle. Among the early exhibits on the exhibition, you can see the drawings created for the Mikhailovsky Castle around 1800.

You can see Rossi's drawings, candlestick designs, furniture designs, vases, and more on the exhibition. They've placed the sketches and works side by side. For example, a pair of candlesticks are standing in front of a sketch in a frame.

There are also chairs and vases.

Karl Rossi designed and created unique glass artworks. Karl Rossi collaborated with the Imperial Glass Factory. Some of his works are also on display at the exhibition.

I'm a huge fan of the Alexanderinsky Theatre, so I was super excited to check out the designs and sketches for the future theatre, done by the architect himself. It's mind-blowing how, back in the day when there wasn't even decent lighting, let alone computers, the designs were so precise and accurate. And on the sketches, you can see the tiniest details. Now, looking at the architect's ideas brought to life in the theatre, I'm just amazed.

There's a small street near the Alexanderinsky Theatre that's known for its perfectly measured parameters - that's Rossi Street, named after the architect. According to the architect's plan, this whole area should be a complete ensemble. Some of it was implemented, some of it remained in the project. Check out the precision and symmetry in these values:

Street length - 220 meters, width - 22 meters, height - 22 meters.

From 1816, Rossi becomes the imperial architect and realizes projects that changed the face of St. Petersburg's center. Among them are the ensembles of the Elagin and Mikhailovsky palaces, the interiors of the Winter and Anichkov palaces, the buildings of the Main Staff, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Finance, the Senate and the Synod, the Alexandrinsky Theatre, the Imperial Public Library, as well as the buildings of the Ministry of Education and Internal Affairs.

Rossi designed and built rural estates in Glazkovo. How did he, an Italian, manage to get a feel for the Russian spirit?

What really blew me away was seeing the sketches of the Russian coat of arms done by Karl Rossi with notes from the emperor.

You can see some of Rossi's work in "The Lamentable Commission of 1825", where he was tasked with designing the funeral arrangements for St. Petersburg's Petropavlovskiy Sobor and creating a catafalque for Alexander I.

I have to say, the last few years of Rossi's life were pretty tough. He was dealing with illness and financial struggles. You can learn more about that at the end of the exhibit:

In 1832, due to his declining health, Rossi effectively retired from his profession. The last years of his life were spent in poverty and solitude, and he passed away in 1849 from cholera.

I love that the exhibit brings together materials from various museums - it's a rare chance to see the inner sanctum of Karl Rossi's work, including his manuscripts, sketches, and graphics. And the best part? The buildings he designed are still standing, and we can enjoy them for centuries to come!

I tip my hat to you, Karl Ivanovich Rossi!

live_helpFeatured FAQ

What is the Karl Rossi exhibition about?

The exhibition celebrates the 250th anniversary of Karl Rossi, a talented architect, painter, and engineer who left a lasting impact on Russia's architectural landscape.

Where is the exhibition located?

The exhibition is located at the Engineer's House on the territory of Petrovsky Fortress.

When is the exhibition open?

The exhibition is open from November 27, 2025 to March 1, 2026.

What can I expect to see at the exhibition?

The exhibition features over a hundred of Rossi's works, including architectural projects, paintings, and engineering designs.

Is the exhibition suitable for families?

Yes, the exhibition is suitable for families with children. However, some exhibits may be more interesting for adults or older children.

Can I take photos at the exhibition?

Yes, you are allowed to take photos at the exhibition for personal use. However, please respect the artists and their work by not using flash or tripods.

Are there any guided tours available?

Yes, guided tours are available for an additional fee. These tours provide a more in-depth understanding of Rossi's work and the exhibition.

Can I purchase tickets online?

Yes, tickets can be purchased online through the exhibition's website or at the entrance to the building.

Is the exhibition wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the exhibition is wheelchair accessible. However, please note that some areas of the Petrovsky Fortress may be difficult to navigate for visitors with mobility issues.

Can I bring food and drink into the exhibition?

No, food and drink are not allowed inside the exhibition. However, there are cafes and restaurants nearby where you can grab a bite to eat.

Are there any special events or activities planned for the exhibition?

Yes, there are several special events and activities planned for the exhibition, including lectures, workshops, and guided tours. Check the exhibition's website for more information.

Can I purchase souvenirs at the exhibition?

Yes, souvenirs are available for purchase at the exhibition's gift shop. These include books, postcards, and other items related to Rossi's work and the exhibition.

check_circlePros

•The exhibition features over a hundred of Rossi's works, giving visitors a comprehensive understanding of his talent and contributions.
•The Engineer's House at Petrovsky Fortress is a unique and fascinating setting for the exhibition.
•The exhibition is well-curated, with clear explanations and context for each of Rossi's projects.
•The variety of Rossi's works on display is impressive, showcasing his skills as an architect, painter, and engineer.
•The exhibition is a great way to learn about Russian history and culture, particularly the impact of Italian architects on the country's development.

cancelCons

•The exhibition can be overwhelming, with so many works on display. It's easy to get lost in the details.
•Some of the exhibits could benefit from more context or explanation, particularly for visitors who aren't familiar with Rossi's work.
•The exhibition is only open for a limited time, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly.
•The Petrovsky Fortress can be difficult to navigate, especially for visitors with mobility issues.
•The exhibition could benefit from more interactive elements or hands-on activities to engage visitors.