General Staff Building (Saint Petersburg)

The General Staff Building is a large early 19th-century neoclassical complex on Palace Square in Saint Petersburg, Russia, designed by architect Carlo Rossi. It is notable for its long curved facade and the central Triumphal Arch that connects the two wings of the building.

The arch celebrates Russia’s victory in the Napoleonic Wars and the building was constructed to house the Imperial General Staff and associated government offices. The eastern wing has been adapted to house parts of the State Hermitage Museum’s collections.

Constructed in the 1819 to 1829 period under Rossi’s direction, the building replaced earlier structures and formed a key element of the unified architectural ensemble of Palace Square. Over time its functions moved from military administration toward cultural and museum uses in parts of the complex.

The building fronts Palace Square directly across from the Winter Palace in central Saint Petersburg, on the Neva River embankment and in the city’s historic imperial core.

• Architect and date: Designed by architect Carlo Rossi and constructed in the early 19th century, the building curves in a long bow-shaped facade on Palace Square opposite the Winter Palace.

What to See #

• Triumphal Arch: The triumphal arch linking the two wings frames Palace Square and is decorated with sculptural reliefs commemorating the Russian victory over Napoleon.
• Eastern wing (Hermitage rooms): The eastern wing of the building now contains museum exhibition space that forms part of the State Hermitage Museum's collections and displays.