New Holland is two artificial islands in the delta of the Neva River. In 1719, two canals were dug between the Neva and the Moika for the needs of shipbuilders, named the Kryukov and Admiralty canals. The modern name of the island was invented by Peter I.

Initially, the area around the Admiralty in St. Petersburg was called Holland. During the city's construction, Peter I invited Dutch shipbuilders, whom he considered masters of their craft. They worked at shipyards on the left bank of the Neva. The atmosphere reminiscent of a foreign port prompted Peter I to name this region Holland. The area was arranged in the style of Dutch shipyards.

The emergence of New Holland is linked to the history of the Admiralty, where ship timber warehouses were located. After the canals were dug, an island was formed where all the warehouses were moved, naming it New Holland. This name became associated with the island formed by the Moika, Admiralty, and Kryukov canals.

The history of New Holland begins with the founding of St. Petersburg by Peter I. Alongside the city's construction, the creation of the Northern Fleet began. In 1704, a shipyard and the Admiralty building were laid on the left bank of the Neva. To facilitate ship construction and the delivery of materials, canals were dug, forming the island of New Holland.

The island took shape in the 1730s. In 1732, architect Ivan Korobov was commissioned to build a network of basins and warehouses for the needs of the Galley Shipyard. Wooden barns for storing ship timber appeared on the island. Most of the territory was built up with sheds for storing timber and tools.

By the early 1750s, the wooden warehouses had fallen into disrepair, and the Admiralty Collegium decided to clear the grove on the island for better air circulation. The chief architect became Savva Chevakinsky, a student of Korobov. The architectural complex of the island was built in the forms of early classicism. Chevakinsky proposed drying timber upright, increasing the storage capacity and preventing wood decay. The buildings were constructed from red brick without plaster.

Chevakinsky's projects were revised by engineer Johann Gerhard, who made structural adjustments. Construction was actively underway, with about 500 workers on the island. The process of erecting the portal was particularly labor-intensive. The construction of the arch dragged on for seven years and was completed in 1777, but in 1782, reconstruction was required.

Construction was not completed due to wars with Turkey and Sweden. However, the warehouse facilities were actively used, and the complex became one of the best examples of early classical style in Russian architecture.

In the 1820s, a naval prison and a forge were built on the island. In 1894, a basin was constructed where Alexei Krylov conducted experiments. During World War I, a powerful radio station was set up here. In Soviet times, New Holland was a closed zone, but in the 1970s, projects emerged to transform the island into a cultural center.

Next to New Holland are the Kryukov Barracks, which now house the Central Naval Museum. The museum is the oldest in Russia and one of the largest maritime museums in the world. It was founded in 1709 and provided sailors with theoretical and practical resources.

The island also features the Timber Warehouse, built in the second half of the 18th century. Here, ship logs were stored vertically. The warehouse remained in a dilapidated state until the mid-2010s when restoration began.

The 1st and 2nd Krushtein bridges connect New Holland with the Admiralty Island. The modern bridges were constructed in the 1950s. A city park with modern infrastructure has been organized along the Admiralty Canal embankment.

The Commandant's House is the latest historical building on the island. In 2013, the building received monument status and was restored. It now houses a school for creative industries.

The forge was built in the mid-19th century. In recent history, it became home to the Kuznya House club and restaurant, which has become a center for social and cultural activity on the island.

On the island's territory, there is a herb garden, updated in 2018. It consists of various grasses and perennials, creating striking color accents.

The "Frigate" playground is a replica of the Dutch shipyard where the frigate "Peter and Paul" was built. Here, children can feel like sailors.

The pavilion stage is the tallest structure in the park. Musical performances, theatrical productions, and film screenings take place on the stage.

The arch of New Holland Island was installed in the 1770s. It serves decorative and mechanical functions, relieving pressure on the warehouse walls. The arch is adorned with columns and garlands, giving it a monumental appearance.