Kadriorg Palace

Overview

Kadriorg Palace is a sumptuous Baroque palace built by Peter the Great for his wife Catherine I after Russia conquered Estonia. Today it houses the Kadriorg Art Museum, featuring Western European and Russian art from the 16th to 20th centuries, and serves as the ceremonial home of the Estonian President.

Highlights

• The Great Hall: A lavishly decorated Baroque hall with ceiling paintings by Giovanni Battista Quadri.
• Art Collection: Dutch Golden Age paintings, Italian Renaissance works, and Imperial Russian portraiture.
• Presidential Palace: The adjacent building serves as the official residence of the President of Estonia.

History

Built between 1718 and 1725 by the Italian architect Niccolò Michetti at Peter the Great's commission, the palace was named 'Catherinethal' (Catherine's Valley) in honour of the empress. After Estonian independence, it became the presidential residence before its conversion into an art museum.

Visitor Tips

• Duration: 1–1.5 hours for the palace museum.
• Combined visit: Pair with Kumu Art Museum and Kadriorg Park for a half-day excursion.
• Closed: Mondays.