Dutch house (Kuskovo)

The Dutch house in the Kuskovo estate, built in 1749 according to the design of the architect Yu. I. Kologrivov, is one of the earliest surviving entertainment pavilions of the Sheremetev estate and is currently part of the Kuskovo museum-estate - a significant cultural complex preserving examples of landscape art and architecture of the 18th century. The architectural design of the pavilion refers to the traditions of Dutch architecture of the 17th–18th centuries: a stepped gable, a laconic volumetric-spatial composition and a characteristic layout of window openings form the image of a typical burgher dwelling. At the same time, the external imitation of brickwork (made by painting on plaster) emphasizes the stylistic play characteristic of the estate architecture of the era. The interiors of the pavilion, which have preserved the original planning structure, embody the aesthetics of “Dutch life” of the 18th century. On the ground floor there are the Front Entrance Hall and the kitchen, decorated with more than 10 thousand tiles: light Delft tiles with rural scenes contrast with dark-colored “carpet” tiles in the main hall of the second floor (including from Rotterdam). The artistic decoration is complemented by paintings by Dutch and English masters, objects of decorative and applied art (porcelain, earthenware, carved furniture), as well as trompe l’oeil figures, enhancing the effect of immersion in the atmosphere of the era. The Dutch house served as an entertainment pavilion: tea parties were held here and guests were received. The surrounding landscape (imitation canal, flower beds with tulips and hyacinths, vegetable garden) enhanced the theatrical effect, creating the illusion of a Dutch street. It is part of the State Palace and Park Museum-Reserve "Ostankino and Kuskovo".

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