Cameron Gallery

   I n 1780-1795 on the edge of regular and landscape parks the architectural complex was designed by Charles Cameron, which included the Cameron Gallery.
   The splendor of the Cameron Gallery is breathtaking. The upper floor is enclosed with a colonnade of Ionic columns forming a covered walking arcade on either side. Between the columns Cameron placed bronze busts of ancient Greek and Roman philosophers, orators, politicians and generals. These are copies of antique originals cast at the end of the 18C. The walking arcades afford a wonderful view of the Pond.
   From the side of the Great Pond a divided flight of curved steps leads down to the garden. On the walls which flank the foot of the stairs stand bronze statues of the ancient hero Hercules and goddess of flowers Flora, copies of antique originals. They are the work of sculptor Fyodor Gordeev, who took the mould from the classical ancient statues in 1786.
   Nowadays the Cameron Gallery houses exhibits of 18th-19th century carriages and traditional Russian costumes.