Picture this a triangular island in the heart of Saint Petersburg. This is New Holland. A place steeped in history. A place of naval might and artistic revival.
New Holland Island a historical artificial island dates back to the 18th century. It was created in 1719 when canals connected the Moika River with the Neva. Peter the Great established Russia’s first military port here. He even built a wooden palace for himself.
For nearly two centuries the island served the Russian Admiralty. It housed a shipyard and warehouses. Architect Ivan Korobov designed a network of basins and wooden warehouses. Savva Chevakinsky later rebuilt these warehouses in brick. Jean-Baptiste Vallin de la Mothe designed the magnificent New Holland Arch. This red-brick gateway is flanked by red granite Tuscan columns. It’s a truly stunning sight.
The island’s transformation continued. A naval prison was built in 1828-29. A basin for naval architects followed in 1893. Aleksei Krylov used this basin for ship model testing. In 1915 the island hosted Imperial Russia’s most powerful radio station.
After the 1917 revolution the island fell into disrepair. The Red Army used it until 2004. Then a remarkable revival began.
In 2000 New Holland opened to the public for an art project. This involved over two dozen artists. In 2004 the Ministry of Defense left. Plans for hotels and clubs emerged. Norman Foster designed a redevelopment project. Later a new project emerged. The Iris Foundation now owns the island. This project includes galleries and museums. The New York based firm WORKac is behind this stunning redevelopment. The island opened to the public again in 2011.
Today New Holland is a vibrant cultural hub. The restoration of historical buildings continues. A playground and herb garden were added. There is even an ice skating rink in winter. This blend of history and modern life makes New Holland Island a unique place. It’s a must-see when visiting Saint Petersburg. A place where the past and the present meet harmoniously.