Centre Entrance - Semi Circular Hall

[Michael HR]

Hello,

Was the centre entrance ever used? I know the IF used "A", "B" by family and close friends, "C" dignitaries and "D" staff. However, it seems that the centre entrance (used by the Navy today I believe) in the colonnade also gives direct access to the semi circular hall and wondered if this was ever used at all? If not why was this not used as it is a clean line to the Parade Halls and does a by-pass of all the other rooms (crimson Room/ Library etc) and wold also be a quick way in and out for visitors.

Many thanks,

Michael

[BobG]

Michael,
I can't say for certain if the center entrance was used at all, but by looking at the plan you'll see that there was no direct vehicle access to the center door.  A person would have to be dropped at the central stairs and then walk through the colonnade and across the courtyard to the steps leading to the center of the palace.  It seems like an unlikely prospect for visitors.  I would think the rear of the palace would not have any vehicle access either.  The only time I remember mention of vehicles there is when the family left the palace for the last time.
BobG

[Sarushka]

Am I correct in presuming the IF used the rear entrance for their daily walks under house arrest?

[Joanna]

Photograph of original sculpture by N.S. Pimenov c1836 that is one of the two in the front entrance courtyard of the AP:

http://old.gogol.ru/enciklopediya-russkoi-kultury/skulptura-i-dekorativno-prikladnoe-iskusstvo/202a.jpg

Joanna

[pastpalacelife]

You always have great pictures Joanna!  As to the semi=circle entrance, I was thinking this must have been the only possible way to get Alexi's miniature car into the palace.  Which just made me wonder, was the car inside only after the IF were gone?