The island was originally nicknamed 'New Holland' because the layout of the canals and shipbuilding facilities reminded Peter the Great of Amsterdam.
The Bottle House (Butylka) was historically a military prison where the circular architecture allowed guards to observe all cells from a central point.
During the Soviet era, the island was closed to the public and used exclusively by the Russian Navy for nearly three centuries.
The red-brick structures were built using a specific Dutch-inspired masonry technique that leaves the bricks exposed without exterior plaster.
The island contains the remains of a historic naval test basin used for hydrodynamic research in the late 19th century.
The green lawn area is covered by a custom-grown grass carpet that is replanted seasonally to handle high foot traffic.
New Holland is an artificial island in St. Petersburg formed by the Krukov and Admiralteysky Canals. Originally commissioned by Peter the Great as a strategic naval base and timber storage site, it has been repurposed into a contemporary public cultural space. The island features red-brick 18th-century warehouses restored to house modern restaurants, galleries, and boutique shops. A central open-air lawn serves as a venue for seasonal concerts, outdoor cinema, and public art installations. The site includes a distinctive circular stone wall known as the Bottle House, once used as a naval prison. The park area provides year-round recreational facilities, including a winter ice rink and summer urban greenery. The architecture reflects the influence of Dutch naval design, which inspired the island's name.
The central lawn with the historic red-brick buildings as the backdrop, or the archway of the main building facing the canal.
Check the island's official website calendar before visiting to avoid days when the entire park is booked for private festivals.
Bring a portable cushion or blanket if you plan to sit on the central lawn, as seating fills up quickly during sunny days.
Explore the indoor 'Bottle House' atrium for unique local design shops that are often overlooked by visitors staying only in the park.
Do not attempt to walk on the canal edges or swim in the water, as strict security patrols enforce safety rules.
