The Arsenal The Arsenal, which occupies the Northeast corner of the Kremlin, was originally commissioned by Peter the Great in 1701. He wanted a building in which he could display the spoils from his victory over the Swedes in the North War. The Arsenal seen today was built in 1817 after Napoleon's troops destroyed the previous building. These bronze cannons, bearing Napoleon's insignia, were cast in Paris between 1790 and 1810. Over 800 French cannons, captured by Russian troops and citizens after Napoleon's army retreated, are lined up along the Arsenal wall.