Monplaisir Palace, Petrine Baroque palace in Peterhof, Russia

Monplaisir Palace is a baroque residence in Peterhof set directly on the shore of the Gulf of Finland. The building features a central hall topped with a tent roof, symmetrical side wings, and expansive windows that frame views of the water and distant horizons.

Peter I laid the foundation on 17 May 1714 at the water's edge; the palace was completed in 1723. The design is attributed to Johann Friedrich Braunstein, with a rival claim for Andreas Schlüter and Jean-Baptiste Le Blond. Peter last stayed in October 1724; in 1725 Catherine I received the first members of the Academy of Sciences here. German troops destroyed Peterhof in 1941–1943, and interiors were recreated from 1951 to 1978.

The name Monplaisir means "my pleasure" in French. The Parade Hall's oak panels hold 22 paintings Peter collected abroad, including works by Amsterdam marine painter Adam Silo. The Chinese Cabinet's black-lacquer panels were painted by Russian icon painters under Dutchman Hendrik van Bronkhorst, then recreated by Palekh masters after 1941–1943 damage.

The palace can be visited as part of the Peterhof Museum complex, with guided tours available in several languages throughout the year. The pathways around the building can be exposed to wind and weather, so sturdy footwear is a good idea for any visit.

The kitchen features an ingenious water supply system connected to the Snop fountain that brought fresh water directly into the building. This underground network represents an early example of advanced plumbing that was uncommon in private residences of that era.