The historical and cultural centre “Grand Embassy” is located in the Koenig Gates, the fortification art monument of the XIX century. Frederick William IV, the Prussian king, participated in laying of the foundation stone on August 30, 1843. Rulers, craftspeople and peasants went through the gates. The WW II has cardinally changed the history and the image of the city by destroying or wiping off architectural monuments. The Koenig Gates had been in a very poor condition for a very long time. But nevertheless, in 2005 by the 750th anniversary of the city the gates were opened after uniquely short and complicated restoration. The Government of the RF, Regional Administration, Mayor’s Office, embassies, consulates and other institutions helped a lot in restoring of the Koenig Gates.
The Russian President Vladimir Putin was the first visitor.

Nowadays the Koenig Gates are the monument of a federal significance. It was passed to the Museum of the World ocean in February, 2005. A strong desire for restoring the Koenig Gates and collaboration between Federal Agency for Culture and Cinematography, Administration and City Hall made possible to invite the best specialists. Facades were restored by Polish restorers and interiors were made up by specialists from Saint-Petersburg and Kaliningrad. The high-class specialists from the Hermitage restored the sculptures, Kaliningrad artists worked at the coats of arms and many Kaliningrad companies helped to beautify the territory. It was a united team of professionals. There was an atmosphere of unity and wish to prove that we have changed, we can work and understand that our history is the history of our land.

We wanted to make a present for the city and we had done it. The Gates and sculptures have been restored, the territory has been beautified. The Russian national flag flutters above the Koenig Gates since the Gates are the main city’s gates, a Triumphal Arch of the city which symbolizes victory of good, friendship between peoples and readiness for a peaceful dialogue.