In 1973 in Leningrad it was decided to establish a new exhibition hall in the former building of the Horse Guards Manege. To recreate the original image of the building erected in 1804 - 1807 to the design of outstanding architect Giacomo Quarenghi the large-scale reconstruction works were carried out. The Manege, the last and most perfect creations of the prominent architect, was built as a part of the barrack complex of Lifeguard of Konniy (Horse) regiment and was meant for horse training. Sometimes the Manege also served as a venue for solemn occasion and military parades. The strict classical building perfectly blended with the ensembles of Isaac and Senat Squares. The magnificent eight-pillared portico with massive pediment and wide granite stairs adorn the main facade facing the Saint Isaac Cathedral. The sculptural bas-relief, performed by A.Triscorny to the design by Quarenghi, represents the awarding of horseracing winners. In 1861 on the both sides of the main facade the reduction of marble antique Dyoskurs (the original ones are standing in Rome), were placed. These sculptural groups occupy a special place in the collection of the masterpieces of Saint Petersburg monumental plastic art and became recognizable symbols of the city on the Neva River.
Originally the Manege had only one big hall meant for the horse training and several utility rooms. In 1930 the building was adapted to a garage: the hall was divided into two levels and ramps leading to the first floor were constructed..
The Central Exhibition Hall has been known among the citizens under the name Manege. The first exhibition in the new exhibition hall was held in 1977. Named "Art belongs to people" it represented works of contemporary Leningrad painters.
Nowadays with the exhibition space of 465 square meters, it is the largest exhibition hall in Saint Petersburg. The Manege houses all kinds of noncommercial exhibitions: retrospective exhibitions, exhibition of the modern arts, series of exhibitions, monographic exhibitions, etc. The Central Exhibition Hall familiarizes the citizens and guests of the city not only with the works of Russian painters and sculptors but also with the creativity of foreign artists. It collaborates a lot with the artists, art historians and collectors from Germany, Italy, France, Finland, Sweden and the Netherlands. The Manege doesn't limit itself with exhibitions: regularly meetings with artists, art seminars, concerts of classical and modern music, music show and presentation are held.
The annual exhibition "Petersburg", representing new works of Petersburg artists, is especially popular with the citizens and guests of the city. There the creative life of the city is presented comprehensively: paintings, sculptures, drawings, works of applied art, installations, performances and video. The number of the participants is about 500.
Since 1996 the Manege has annually organized the Festival of Experimental Arts and Performances. Nowadays it the only forum of the latest art and technology trends, where in one showroom different works of Russian and foreign artists and scientists of the 3d millennium are presented. The visitors can see all kinds of performance, video and photo installation, electronic technology, know-how, etc.
For two years the Manege has been collecting works of prominent Russian artists, giving preference to the works that are characteristic of specifically Leningrad and Saint Petersburg art, rather than the art of Russia in general. This collection is to form the basis of the future Museum of Contemporary Art of Saint Petersburg. The collection already numbers about 2 thousand items, among them there are paintings, graphics, sculptures, works of applied art, installations and art objects.