Historical and Cultural Centre GRAND EMBASSY at the Koenig Gate

Frederick William IV, the King of Prussia, participated in laying its foundation on August 30, 1843. Rulers, craftspeople and peasants would pass through the Gate. World War II cardinally changed the history and the image of the city by defacing or destroying many architectural monuments. The Koenig Gate had been in very poor condition for a very long time as well. Its sculptures were almost destroyed and the fa?ade brickwork and interiors were seriously damaged. There were no service lines and the surrounding territory was in poor condition. In February, 2005 the Koenig Gate was passed to the Museum of the World Ocean. The Government of the RF, Administration of Kaliningrad region, the mayor’s office, embassies, consulates and many other institutions assisted its revival. The facades were restored by Polish experts while interiors were renovated by specialists from Saint- Petersburg and Kaliningrad along with masters from the Hermitage, who worked on the sculptures. Kaliningrad artists worked on the coats of arms and many Kaliningrad companies helped with the surrounding territory. Restoration of the sculptures was the most difficult task. The museum expresses its gratitude to the State Archive of the Capital City of Warsaw for a rare photograph of the Koenig Gate with a clear view of the sculptures as well as to the Prussian Palaces and Gardens Foundation Berlin-Brandenburg for qualitative images of Albert’s (Duke of Prussia) sword and Frederick I’s sceptre. The Gate was solemnly opened in summer 2005 in time for the 750th anniversary of the city following an uncommonly quick and complicated restoration. Russian President Vladimir Putin was the first visitor at the Koenig Gate.