Volier Pavilion, Pavlovsk

The Volier Pavilion is a neoclassical building in Pavlovsk with a central square hall topped by a dome and connected to side rooms through open galleries featuring Doric columns. The structure was designed to serve multiple functions, with its spatial arrangement allowing for both intimate gatherings and larger social events.

Charles Cameron designed and built the pavilion in 1782 as part of the estate's development. The building initially functioned as an aviary for songbirds and later became a venue for social gatherings and dancing.

The pavilion was originally designed to house the family's collections of marble funeral urns and bronze sculptures acquired during travels across Europe in the early 1800s. These objects reflect the family's passion for classical antiquity and their connection to ancient civilizations.

The pavilion is situated near the Grand Palace along the Triple Linden Alley with its main entrance facing south. The location within the park grounds makes it easily accessible on foot and offers good sightlines to the surrounding estate gardens.

Metal nets are woven between the Doric columns, allowing climbing plants such as ivy and wild grapes to grow across the structure. This integration of vegetation into the classical architecture creates a living element that softens the rigid lines of the design.