The Mikhailovsky Manege, also known as the Michael Manege or Mikhailovsky Manezh (Russian: Михайловский манеж), is a historic neoclassical building in the heart of Saint Petersburg, Russia. Originally constructed as a riding academy for the imperial cavalry in the early 19th century, it has since served various purposes, including as a sports arena, exhibition hall, and venue for political and cultural events. Located at Manezhnaya Square (Manezhnaya Ploshchad), near the Mikhailovsky Castle and Nevsky Prospect, the building is a significant architectural and historical landmark in the city.
The history of the Mikhailovsky Manege and its surrounding Manezhnaya
Square dates back to the 1730s, reflecting the evolving urban and
cultural landscape of Saint Petersburg. In 1735, Persian Shah Nader,
after signing a treaty with the Russian Empire, gifted an elephant to
Empress Anna, niece of Peter the Great. To house this exotic animal, an
"elephant yard"—effectively the city’s first zoo—was established on what
is now Manezhnaya Square. By 1741, due to the elephant’s struggle with
loneliness and the harsh northern climate, the Shah sent a caravan of 14
elephants, and a stable-like structure was built at the site of the
future Manege. These elephants were regularly paraded across the square,
adding a curious chapter to the area’s early history.
In 1742,
Empress Elizabeth began constructing a wooden Summer Palace nearby,
prompting the relocation of the zoo. The site of the elephant stables
was transformed into a labyrinth garden with clipped shrubs and
interlocking lanes. This garden and the Summer Palace stood until the
reign of Emperor Paul I (1796–1801), when the palace was dismantled,
freeing space for new developments, including stables and a riding
academy.
The Mikhailovsky Manege was constructed between 1798 and
1800 under Paul I, designed by Italian architect Vincenzo Brenna, who
also served as the court architect and contributed to the nearby
Mikhailovsky Castle. The building was part of a larger regimental
complex for the Horse Guards, which included barracks, stables, and the
riding hall (manege) for cavalry training and horseback parades. The
name “Mikhailovsky” derives from the Archangel Michael, the patron saint
of the Romanov dynasty, which ruled Russia from 1613 to 1917. The term
“manege” comes from the French word for “riding academy,” reflecting its
original function as a dressage area for imperial cavalry horses.
The Mikhailovsky Manege is a prime example of neoclassical
architecture, characterized by its elegant simplicity and disciplined
proportions. Designed by Vincenzo Brenna, the building is a rectangular
structure measuring 160 meters long and 35.7 meters wide, with a total
exhibition space of 4,356 square meters. Its facade, faced in
cream-yellow and white stucco, exudes a restrained yet refined aesthetic
typical of the neoclassical style favored during Paul I’s reign. The
building’s clean lines and balanced proportions reflect the
architectural ideals of the late 18th century, drawing inspiration from
classical Greek and Roman models.
In 1823–1824, the renowned
architect Carlo Rossi, known for his work on Saint Petersburg’s grand
ensembles, renovated the Manege’s facades in a classical style. Working
with sculptors Vasily Demuth-Malinovsky and Stepan Pimenov, Rossi
adorned the facade facing Manezhnaya Square with five arched doorways
and an attic decorated with bas-reliefs depicting military armor,
shields, swords, and oak branches. These embellishments underscored the
building’s military purpose, as it was used by the Ministry of War for
cavalry training. The term “Exerzierhaus” (from German, meaning
“exercise house”) was occasionally applied to the building, reflecting
its role in military drills.
The Manege’s architectural
significance is enhanced by its integration into the Mikhailovsky Castle
ensemble, a fortified residence built for Paul I. The building’s
proximity to key landmarks like Nevsky Prospect and the Russian Museum
places it within Saint Petersburg’s historic core, contributing to the
city’s UNESCO World Heritage status. Its large, well-lit interior, with
54 high windows, made it ideal for exhibitions even in the 19th century,
a feature that continues to define its modern use.
Over its 200-year history, the Mikhailovsky Manege has undergone
several transformations, reflecting the political, social, and cultural
shifts in Russia. Below is a chronological overview of its key phases:
19th Century: From Riding Academy to Exhibition Hall
Following
its completion in 1800, the Manege served as a training ground for the
imperial cavalry. However, after the Emancipation Reform of 1861, which
spurred economic expansion, the building began hosting agricultural and
industrial exhibitions. The Imperial Gardeners’ Society frequently used
the hall, and notable events included the First All-Russian Hygiene
Exhibition in 1893 and the International Exhibition of the Latest
Innovations in 1909, where the All-Russian Aero Club showcased
advancements in aviation.
The Manege also became a venue for
early automobile exhibitions. In 1907, the Imperial Russian Automobile
Society leased the building for the first All-Russian Automobile
Exposition. This was followed by the Third International Automobile
Exposition in 1910, which coincided with the “Petersburg–Kiev” rally,
starting from the Manege with 48 cars, including the Russian brand
Russo-Balt and international marques like Mercedes and Benz. These
events highlighted the Manege’s growing role as a hub for technological
and industrial showcases.
Early 20th Century: Political and
Cultural Events
The October Manifesto of 1905, which legalized
political parties in Russia, increased the demand for indoor public
gathering spaces, especially given Saint Petersburg’s harsh climate. The
Mikhailovsky Manege, with a capacity of around 2,000 people and its
central location 200 meters north of Nevsky Prospect, was an ideal
venue. It hosted rallies, meetings, and exhibitions, including events
celebrating the 300th anniversary of the Romanov dynasty in 1913.
During the turbulent period following the abdication of Nicholas II
in March 1917, the Manege became a focal point for political activity.
On April 15, 1917, Vladimir Lenin, recently returned from exile, spoke
at a rally in the Manege to soldiers of the Armored Car division. He
addressed the crowd again on January 1, 1918, urging soldiers to resume
fighting on the Western Front, a shift from the Bolsheviks’ earlier
“Peace to the People” slogan due to renewed German attacks. These
speeches, commemorated by a white marble plaque on the building’s wall,
mark the Manege’s role in Russia’s revolutionary history. A notable
guest at the 1918 rally was American journalist Albert Rhys Williams,
who also spoke, highlighting the international attention on these
events.
Soviet Era: Sports Arena and Beyond
In 1949, the
Mikhailovsky Manege was converted into an indoor sporting arena and
renamed Zimniy Stadion (Winter Stadium). This transformation reflected
the Soviet emphasis on physical culture and mass sports. The building
hosted various athletic events, leveraging its spacious interior.
However, its historical and architectural value was somewhat overlooked
during this period.
Post-Soviet Era: Exhibition and Cultural Hub
Since the late 20th century, the Mikhailovsky Manege has been repurposed
as a major exhibition and conference center, capitalizing on its large
interior space and central location. A major refurbishment from 2013 to
2016 modernized the facility, installing state-of-the-art exhibition
equipment, electronic scoreboards, and advanced sound systems. The
Manege now features a conference hall for 100 people, a restaurant
seating 50, and a total exhibition area of over 4,356 square meters,
making it suitable for large-scale international events.
Today,
the Manege Central Exhibition Hall is Saint Petersburg’s premier venue
for showcasing Russian and international art. Its cultural program
includes exhibitions, workshops, lectures, film screenings, and
concerts, engaging visitors of all ages. Notable exhibitions include
“Contemporary Russian Artists — Participants of Venice Biennale” in
2016, which marked the Manege’s reopening after its refurbishment. The
building’s educational initiatives cater to both adults and children,
and its role as a forum for cultural and professional exchange has
solidified its status as a key point on Saint Petersburg’s creative map.
As of 2025, the Mikhailovsky Manege operates as the Manege Central
Exhibition Hall, located at Manezhnaya Square, 2, Saint Petersburg. It
is a modern exhibition complex with the following features:
Exhibition Space: 4,356 square meters, adaptable for large-scale
international exhibitions, with convenient warehouses and entrances for
handling exhibits.
Conference Facilities: A hall accommodating 100
people, equipped for conferences, seminars, and presentations.
Restaurant: A dining area for 50 people, supporting event catering.
Technical Amenities: Modern electronic scoreboards, sound systems, and
satellite communications for efficient event management.
Accessibility: Well-connected to major roads, with proximity to Nevsky
Prospect and cultural landmarks like the Russian Museum and Mikhailovsky
Theatre.
The Manege hosts a variety of events, from trade shows and
art exhibitions to cultural festivals and professional conferences. Its
versatility and historical ambiance make it a sought-after venue for
both local and international organizers.
The Mikhailovsky Manege is more than a functional building; it is a
witness to Saint Petersburg’s transformation from an imperial capital to
a modern cultural hub. Its architectural elegance, rooted in
neoclassicism, reflects the city’s ambition to rival European capitals
in the 18th and 19th centuries. The contributions of architects like
Brenna and Rossi, alongside sculptors Demuth-Malinovsky and Pimenov,
underscore the building’s artistic value.
Historically, the
Manege has been a stage for pivotal moments, from imperial celebrations
to revolutionary rallies. Lenin’s speeches in 1917 and 1918 highlight
its role in shaping Russia’s political landscape, while its early
adoption as an exhibition space foreshadows Saint Petersburg’s emergence
as a center for innovation and culture. The building’s
adaptability—serving as a zoo, riding academy, sports arena, and
exhibition hall—demonstrates its resilience amid changing regimes and
societal needs.
Critically, the Manege’s history also reflects
the complexities of Russian identity. Its neoclassical design and
Romanov associations tie it to the imperial past, yet its revolutionary
and Soviet-era roles align it with radical change. Today, as a venue for
global art and ideas, it bridges Russia’s heritage with its contemporary
aspirations, though its prominence as an exhibition hall may overshadow
its rich historical layers for some visitors.
It’s worth noting that Saint Petersburg has another notable manege, the Saint Petersburg Manege, located at Saint Isaac’s Square, designed by Giacomo Quarenghi in 1804–1807. This building, distinct from the Mikhailovsky Manege, was also a riding hall for the Horse Guards but features a Greek Revival design with Doric columns and statues of the Dioscuri. After the Russian Revolution, it was repurposed as an NKVD garage and later, since the late 1970s, as an exhibition hall. While both maneges share a neoclassical heritage and a history of adaptive reuse, the Mikhailovsky Manege is larger, more centrally located, and has a more prominent role in contemporary cultural life.