Peter the Great's dream palace restoration cost USD 280 million

Constantinovsky palace opened after restoration on May 25. According to Rosbalt Manager of Presidential Affairs Vladimir Kozhin said that 'the restoration of Constantinovsky palace-park complex was financed exclusively by fundraising.' He said funds totalling USD 280 million had been raised. Donations ranged from 3 dollars to several million dollars.

Peter the Great dreamed of creating a 'Russian Versailles' at Strelna. The new palace of congresses is intended for greeting foreign leaders and other high-ranking guests. There is a unique system of canals and more than 40 bridges on the territory of the palace and park complex. The VIP-village features 20 comfortable cottages and a helicopter pad. The halls of the pavilion of negotiations, where the international summit will take place on May 30-31, are equipped with state-of-the-art technology.