The state complex “Palace of Congresses” was created on the basis of an architectural monument of the XVIII century – Strelninsky palace and park ensemble. Back in 1715, Peter the Great conceived the idea of building a ceremonial imperial residence here that would outshine the famous Versailles in scale and beauty. At the end of the XVIII century Strelna became the residence of the Grand Dukes of the House of Romanovs. After the revolution of 1917, the Strelninsky ensemble was declared a “first-class architectural monument”. Unfortunately, during the Great Patriotic War the historical palace and park ensemble was significantly damaged.

In 1955, after the necessary restoration work, cadets of the Leningrad Arctic School settled in the Konstantinovsky palace. The school existed until the early 1990s and then came the years of desolation. The residence conceived by Peter I as “The Russian Versailles” was on the verge of extinction. The beginning of the XXI century was truly fateful for the architectural monument. Unprecedented in terms of time and scale, works on the restoration and reconstruction of the historical ensemble begun in Strelna under the auspices of the Administrative Department of the President of the Russian Federation. Konstantinovsky palace and park were revived in accordance with project drafts, drawings, memoirs and other documents of the XVIII–XIX centuries; new buildings and structures also appeared here after the renovation. Palace of Congresses opened its doors to celebrate the 300th anniversary of St. Petersburg.

The G20 and G8 summits, meetings of the Russia–EU format, negotiations of heads of state and government, official visits – these are just some of the residence’s facets of activities.

Currently Konstantinovsky palace and park ensemble is accessible to everyone and is one of the most important tourist sites in St. Petersburg. The palace and park complex includes the magnificent Konstantinovsky palace, Lower and Upper parks, a Negotiations Pavilion located on Petrovsky island, a modern Press center, a five-star “Baltic Star” Hotel, 20 two-storey cottages of the “Consular Village”, a Stable building and an Excursion bureau.

The complex is rightfully considered one of the most prestigious venues for events of the highest level – all halls are equipped with the state-of-the-art technology.