PALACES
MENSHIKOV PALACE
Part of the Hermitage Department of the History of Russian Culture.
The palace of Prince Alexander Menshikov is a veritable museum of Russian art from the first quarter of
the 18th century. One of the largest and most splendid buildings of its time, the palace was surrounded by a
regular garden with sculptures, fountains, grottoes and greenhouses. Moreover, a pier was built on the Neva side.
The official residence belonging to Menshikov, governor general of the capital was used for diplomatic receptions
and gala celebrations. Following Menshikov's downfall and exile in 1732, the palace was turned over to a military
school and, as a result, underwent certain modifications.
The museum opened its doors to the public in 1981, revealing the beautiful restored interiors of the entrance hall,
main staircase, Walnut Study, reception room, bedchamber and dining-room. Especially striking are the rooms
lavishly decorated with white and blue Dutch tiles. One can see the objects of everyday life and works of art
from the late 17th to the first quarter of the eighteenth century, as well as several personal effects that
once belonged to Emperor Peter I and his closest associate, Prince Menshikov.
Beloselsky-Belozersky Palace
Home to the city's Municipal Cultural Center, the Beloselsky-Belozersky Palace used to be the Communist Party's
district headquarters, but now organizes a rich and varied program of concerts throughout the year.
Tickets to all concerts include a tour of the palace's splendid interiors, which have been beautifully preserved.
Visitors can also enjoy its Exhibition of Wax Figures - "Russia and Power", featuring lifelike models of many of
the country's most notorious rulers.
YELAGIN PALACE
The ensemble of palaces and parks on Yelagin Island is a monument to Russian architecture and landscape gardening
of the early 19th century. Up to 1917 the palace complex served as a summer residence for the imperial family.
Of particular interest are the Oval Hall, the Crimson Room and the Blue Room, which contain examples of
the palace's
decor from the first half of the 19th century.
On the first floor, visitors can enjoy a splendid exhibition of decorative items made from Karelian birchwood,
and displays of porcelain, glass, embroidery, fabrics, wood- and metal-work from the late 18th to the early 20th
centuries.
ORANIENBAUM
Work on the palace and park ensemble of Oranienbaum began under Prince Alexander Menshikov
(who owned these lands in the early 18th century) and took almost a century to complete.
Since 1727 Oranienbaum was the summer residence of the imperial family. Today, the Oranienbaum estate comprises
three ensembles: the Great Palace, Peterstadt and the "Personal Dacha".
The ensemble of the "Personal Dacha" consists of Catherine II's Chinese Palace which is the highlight of the estate.
Its interiors are striking for the wealth and variety of their decor. The palace houses collections of paintings
by artists of the Venetian School, Russian and Western European porcelain, furniture and works of Oriental
decorative and applied art.
GATCHINA
The Gatchina palace and park ensemble is one of the finest specimens of early Russian Neoclassicism.
The palace, faced with local limestone and resembling a medieval English castle, was erected between 1766 and 1781.
Today visitors can enjoy the decor of the Anteroom, the Marble Dining-Room, the Throne, White and Picture Halls.
The superb parquetry designs, painted ceilings, stuccowork, bronzes, furniture and gobelins are of immense artistic
value.The palace's art collections contain Russian and Western European paintings, porcelain and Oriental objects,
a remarkable collection of fire- and side-arms by I6th-20th century masters. The Gatchina gardens and parks are
laid out in a picturesque fashion. There are numerous bridges, terraces and spectacular stone staircases.
