Construction in Oranienbaum began in the 18th century when Peter I gifted these lands to Prince A. D. Menshikov. In 1711, the prince decided to build the Grand Palace here, which still bears his name.

After Menshikov's exile in 1727, his property was confiscated, and from 1743, Oranienbaum became the residence of the future Emperor Peter III. A fortress named Peterstadt was built for him, which has survived to this day along with the palace and the Honorary Gates. A town began to form around the residence.

The complex changed owners multiple times and underwent renovations. In 1762, after Catherine II ascended to the throne, the construction of the Empress's Private Dacha began. Later, Oranienbaum belonged to Alexander I, his brother Mikhail Pavlovich, and their heirs.

After the 1917 revolution, some buildings became museums and hospitals, while others were transferred to educational institutions. During the Great Patriotic War, Oranienbaum served as a defense line, which allowed the ensemble to suffer less damage than other complexes. However, after the war, Oranienbaum was abandoned and fell into disrepair.

In 1948, the town was renamed Lomonosov in honor of the famous scientist. Only from the 1990s did large-scale restoration begin.

The park's layout is a prime example of landscape art from the 18th and 19th centuries. It covers an area of 162 hectares and is divided into the Lower and Landscape Upper Parks. The Upper Park occupies most of the area and is divided into two ensembles: Peterstadt and the ensemble of the Private Dacha.

The central building that divides the park into two parts is the very first structure, the Grand Menshikov Palace. Its layout resembles the Grand Palace in Peterhof, and the facade, 210 meters long, faces the bay. The palace complex includes the Church and Japanese pavilions, connected by galleries to the central part. For the construction of the palace, Menshikov invited renowned architects: F. Fontana, I. F. Braunstein, and I. G. Shedel, who created this baroque masterpiece. Unfortunately, the original interiors of the palace have not survived due to changes made by subsequent owners.

When visiting the Grand Menshikov Palace, one can visit the Church Pavilion. Until 1921, there was an active Panteleimon Church here. The decoration of the temple underwent changes during the reign of Peter Fedorovich and Catherine II. During the war, much of the painting and icons were destroyed, but during the restoration, the church was returned to its appearance of the 18th and early 20th centuries. Today, visitors can see exhibits telling the history of the temple and its parishioners.

In the Lower Park of Oranienbaum, there is the Picture House Museum, built in the mid-18th century by architect F. B. Rastrelli. It housed a theater, a cabinet of curiosities, a library, a collection of paintings, and the office of Grand Duke Peter Fedorovich. Today, the Two-Light Hall, Picture Hall, Library Office, Opera Theater, and two rooms of the Cabinet of Curiosities are open to visitors.

In addition to the house, the Lower Park features the Marine Canal leading to the sea, as well as the Lower Houses with service premises. In the Upper Garden, one can see the pavilion "Stone Hall," where chamber and opera music concerts take place. The pavilion was built in the 1750s for entertainment events and has been renovated multiple times. In the 19th century, it housed the Lutheran Church of St. Helena.

In the Upper Park, there is the pavilion "Chinese Kitchen." For a long time, it served its original purpose, but later it housed the cavalier and stable corps, a hospital. During the Soviet era, the pavilion became a dormitory. Today, temporary exhibitions are held here.

From the "Chinese Kitchen" pavilion begins the ensemble of the Private Dacha, the main structure of which is the Chinese Palace. Built in 1768 by architect Rinaldi, the palace became the personal residence of Catherine II. The most famous room is the Glass Mosaic Cabinet, which has survived in its original form. The Chinese Palace is the only example of Rococo architecture in Russia that has come down to us unchanged.

Next to the palace is the Pavilion of the Slide, the only surviving structure from the summer slide complex. Catherine II held dinner parties and receptions here. The pavilion houses the Porcelain Cabinet with a unique collection from the Meissen manufactory. The Peterstadt ensemble includes the Palace of Peter III, Peter's Park, and the Honorary Gates. The Palace of Peter III is the first independent project of architect A. Rinaldi in Russia. Here, there is an exhibition telling about the life of the emperor, featuring a collection of paintings, furniture and interior items, as well as personal belongings of Peter III.