The cultural capital of our country has many beautiful and interesting places for walking and relaxing. More recently, another creative green space has appeared in St. Petersburg - Benoit Garden. This is a unique historical attraction that has been in complete desolation for over 10 years. Today, justice has triumphed, and the garden is once again ready to receive guests.
Historical reference
The history of the modern Benois garden began at the very end of the 19th century. A plot of land on the outskirts of Petersburg was rented by the architect Julius Yulievich Benoit for the construction of a farm. By 1904, a complex of buildings was erected, which included a residential building (Benoit cottage), a water tower, a barn, sheds. The farm quickly developed and was considered exemplary and advanced in many respects.
On its territory there was a laboratory in which milk was processed before being sent to the dairy. In total, the farm had about 200 thoroughbred cows, and in 1913 the farm received high awards.
Notably, even during the First World War, Benoit Farm Garden flourished.
Farm Benoit in the Soviet period and modern time
In 1918, the farm was nationalized. Its new name is “First City Dairy Farm” but many residents still called it Benoit Garden. St. Petersburg was gradually growing, the farm was developing along with the city. Gradually, vegetables began to be grown on it, as well as rabbits, pigs and birds.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the farm received the name "State Farm" Forest "." The company did not stop its work during the Second World War and received many awards in the postwar period.
In 1968, the state farm was transported to the Leningrad region, and it was decided to use the Benois garden for public needs.
In 1973, construction of a tower of the Central Research Institute of Robotics and Technical Cybernetics was started near the farmhouse of the creator of the farm. Somewhat later, the territory, along with all the preserved historical buildings, was transferred to the school of art education.
The history of the desolation of the once-advanced farm begins in 2001 - then the main wooden building burned down. The very territory of the park remained virtually unowned.
In 2006, the green name returns to its historical name - “Benoit Garden”. St. Petersburg at this time is actively landscaping, discussions are underway on the transformation of the former farm into a recreation park.
The wasteland turns into a cultural object!
The historical garden farm begins its new history in 2011. The green territory, which had turned into a littered wasteland by that time, was sold to the commercial company Best. Almost immediately after the acquisition, work began on landscaping and restoration of buildings.
The Benois Garden, according to the plan of the new owners, was turned into a cultural and educational space. The building of the summer house was built almost from scratch according to old photographs, and today it also has a multidisciplinary center for additional education for children and adults.
In the restored building of the former cowsheds, the Benoit Farm Restaurant is open. The green area of the park and two ponds are being actively landscaped.
Interesting places and activities in Benoit Garden today
To date, work on landscaping the park and the development of the cultural and educational environment continues. But, despite this fact, over the past year Benoit Garden (St. Petersburg) has become a favorite vacation spot for many residents of the city. The restaurant and the educational center have already begun their work; on public holidays, various activities for children and adults are held in the green zone.
The summer of 2015 was remembered thanks to the exhibition organized by the artist Nikolai Kopeikin. Benoit Garden has been turned into an interactive exhibition space. To familiarize yourself with the exposure, just download the proprietary application on your smartphone. With the help of this program, it was necessary to consider “through the phone” art objects located in the garden. A short video was created for each exhibit. The project was called the ABC of Benoiria and was greatly appreciated by visitors to the park.
The garden administration promises in the future many interesting surprises and outstanding events. Stay tuned and visit Benoit's Garden!