- The impressive edifice of the Manege, standing before the walls of the Kremlin, was designed by architect Auguste Montferrand and built by engineer Augustin Betancourt in 1817 to mark the fifth anniversary of Russia's victory over Napoleon in the Patriotic War of 1812. The giant hall (about 7,500 square meters - 166 meters long and 45 meters wide) with a self-supporting roof was considered a great breakthrough in construction techniques. Originally meant for military exercises, reviews and parades, it later housed exhibitions and was used for public entertainment. Since 1957 it has been the Central Exhibition Hall, one of Moscow's most popular art galleries.
- © wcities.com 2013