One of the city's most beloved landmarks—the graceful and impressive wrought-iron fence surrounding Mikhailovsky Garden—has received a facelift. The architect Alfred A. Parland installed the wrought-iron fence in 1907 as a part of the Resurrection Church (the Church of the Spilled Blood). The deterioration and disrepair of this historic structure prompted a massive restoration project to restore the wrought-iron panels of the distinguished fence to their original condition.

Phase I of the restoration was funded by JT International as a gift to the city of St. Petersburg. Managerial responsibility for the project, including supervision of the scope and quality of the restoration, was undertaken by the St. Petersburg branch of the U.S.-Russian nonprofit organization The Fabergé Arts Foundation, which promotes historic preservation as part of its cultural mission.

St. Petersburg City government's Committee of State Inspection for the Preservation of Monuments of History and Culture contracted with FAF for the restoration project. In January 1999, the St. Petersburg City government transferred ownership of the wrought-iron fence from Mikhailovsky Gardens to the Russian Museum (which houses part of its collections in the Mikhailovsky Palace).

Phase I of the project included restoration and installation of 19 panels of wrought-iron grille work, 19 stone columns, and the double gates. Restoration work began in 1998 and was completed in 2002.

The St. Petersburg firm "Specialist," well known for its restoration work on the Resurrection Church, was subcontracted to restore the stone portions of the fence. Restoration of the iron work (that is, the panels of the fence) was carried out by the St. Petersburg Company "STACK".

The Advisory Council to the Mikhailovsky Garden Fence Project assisted. This council, which was formed at the invitation of the Fabergé Arts Foundation, is composed of St. Petersburg's most esteemed cultural leaders. Members of the council convene periodically to review and evaluate the progress and quality of restoration work on the fence.

A second contract with JT International has enabled FAF to complete Phase II of the restoration, involving the double-paneled gates facing the Church of the Spilled Blood. FAF will continue to maintain all the restored panels.

The Fabergé Arts Foundation, JT International, the Committee of State Inspection for the Preservation of Monuments of History and Culture, and the Advisory Council, together are making an extraordinary effort to ensure that the beauty and soundness of this historic structure will endure for future generations of St. Petersburg’s citizens and visitors.

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