Kuskovo

Kuskovo is an extensive estate of the Counts Sheremetev. The Sheremetevs were one of the richest Russian families of that time and owned lands in 62 districts of Russia.

The sumptuous architectural ensemble of the estate had been formed by the middle of the 18th century under Count Pyotr Borisovich Sheremetev. Kuskovo ensemble was created by serf architects Argunov, Mironov and Dikushin with participation of K. Blank. The central place belongs to the classical palace, designed by Ch. de Vaya and put up in 1769-1775 by K. Blank. It is situated at the bank of a big oval pond. The huge park is filled with various inventive structures, such as gazebos, fanciful fountains and artificial ruins. The park also hid several pavilions in different architectural styles. Some of them – such as the Hermitage, the Summer Grotto and the House Hollandaise - are still standing. The Hermitage pavilion, constructed by the famous Russian architect Bazhenov, is one of the finest examples of Russian architecture of that time.

The serf theatre, which was once famous for its operas, comedies and ballet was one of the most interesting sights in Kuskovo. Its glory days are associated primarily with the actress Praskovya Ivanovna Zhemchugova. Her life story is both brilliant and tragic. She was born in a serf peasant family but brought up as an aristocratic lady. The early recognition of her dramatic talent broght her to live at the manor. For a long time she played at the Sheremetyev serf theatre. Her contemporaries were very taken with her talented performances. She was also very well educated for her time and spoke several languages.

As time passed, her master, Count Nikolai Sheremetev fell in love with Praskovya Zhemchugova. In 1798, she was granted manumission. Later, in 1800, she married Nikolai Sheremetev. Sadly, the fairytale happiness has not lasted and two years later she died giving birth.
Several of her many portraits still exist, some of them can be found at the Kuskovo museum.

What is worth seeing at the estate now?
Today, Kuskovo is a museum including both the large park with its many pavilions and the palace itself. It is very much worth the trip to the East District of Moscow. The palace houses the most precious collection of Western porcelain in Eastern Europe, which had been collected by several generations of the Sheremetev family. It also regularly hosts various arts exhibitions and concerts.