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St Petersburg
The Yusupov Palace also known as the Moika Palace was the home for the Yusupov family who lived in it from 1830 to 1917. Originally a small timber property built in the 1770’s on the banks of the River Moika for the niece of Tsar Peter I. Designed by French architect Jean-Baptiste Vallin de la Mothe it was to grow into one of St Petersburg's finest palaces. In 1795 it was obtained by Catherine II who gave it to her lady-in-waiting Countess Alexandra Branicka, the niece of one of her favourites - Grigory Potemkin. The Palace was acquired by Nickolai Yusupov in 1830, when it became known as the Yusupov Palace. The Yusupovs owned 57 palaces which included four in St Petersburg. In fact, the wealth of the Yusupovs rivalled that of the Tsar. The family could trace their lineage back over 1000 years and they served the Russian Tsars since the time of Ivan IV in the 14th century until 1917. The Yusopovs had one of the country’s greatest private collections of paintings and sculptures; started by Nickolai. His collection comprised of works from some of the finest artists and sculptors of his time and his expertise and contacts resulted in Catherine II and Paul I using him to build up the collection of the Hermitage and Tsarskoye Selo (Catherine's Palace) as well as other palaces. The subsequent members of the Yusupov family continued to develop the palace and the art collection. At the time of the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917 the Yusupovs were the richest family in Russia. Their collection of art, sculptures and jewellery amounting to more than 40,000 items was confiscated following the revolution and placed in the State Hermitage and other museums. In 1917 the palace was used as the Swedish and German embassies, which was a crucial factor in it not having been ransacked following the revolution. It became a museum after the Russian Revolution and was opened to the public as a cultural monument. In 1925 the palace was taken over by the city's Education Commissariat, and today it is held by the Cultural Centre of Education Workers. During World War II the Palace’s halls accommodated a military hospital. Although many of the rooms were severely damaged by artillery shelling; conservation and restoration works began whilst the war was still ongoing, and a large-scale programme was implemented following the war to renovate and restore the palace, both inside and out, to its former glory. Although the façade, with its classical six-column portico is striking, it does not indicate the beauty and affluence of the interior. The Palace was developed over the years in a variety of architectural styles including Gothic, Renaissance, Oriental, Rococo and Historicism, making it one of the most beautiful palaces in St. Petersburg. The Palace’s interior is noted for its opulence and its decorations, which include wood and stone carving and multi-coloured marble. Many of the rooms are decorated in different styles and contain gilded chandeliers, silks, frescoes, tapestries and beautiful furniture. The ground floor includes the Turkish Study and Moorish Drawing Room and leads to the cellar, where on 17th December 1916, the murder of Grigori Rasputin, (known as the “Mad Monk”) took place. Since 1919, it has housed a display of the wax figures of the members of the plot, including the Grand Duke Dmitri Pavlovich (a cousin of Nicholas II) and Felix Yusupov, together with the figure of Rasputin himself and photographs and accounts relating to the incident. This room is now known as the Rasputin Room and is Infamous for being the site where Grigori Rasputin was lured and assassinated.  The motive for the murder was to remove the influence that Rasputin had over the Tsarina Alexandra and subsequently over the Tsar himself. Rasputin’s murder was an extremely difficult act to carry out as he managed to survive poison, gunshots and beatings. His death was finally accomplished when he was cast into the icy Moyka River. Felix and Prince Dmitry were accused of murder and fled the country. An act which undoubtedly saved their lives following the revolution. The sweeping Grand Staircase of white marble is adorned with intricate details, including elegant balustrades and decorative elements and a beautiful chandelier that showcase the craftsmanship of the era.   This leads to the state rooms on the upper floors which includes the ballroom and banquet hall. Each of the palaces living rooms is in a different style. The atmospheric Tapestry Room comprises heavy wooden décor and an enormous tapestry covering one wall. The room also features fine furniture and a warm colour palette, creating an inviting yet sophisticated atmosphere.  The Music Room is light and airy, with gilded features and crystal chandeliers and reflects the family's love for art and culture. The room was designed to host musical performances and gatherings, showcasing the Yusupovs' patronage of the arts. It features elegant decor, including intricate woodwork, luxurious furnishings, and a white grand piano and other musical instrument. The room's ambiance would have been perfect for intimate concerts and soirées, where guests could enjoy performances in a refined setting.  The Red Drawing room is also called the Imperial Drawing Room due to the portraits of the Tsars which are displayed in the room, this would have a portrait of the ruling monarch on the central wall. The portrait shown in this photo is that of the first owner of the house, Princess Zinaida Yusupova. The room is a magnificent example of 19th-century Russian aristocratic design. It was designed by the architect Andrey Mikhailov in the 1830s and is known for its rich red hues, luxurious furnishings, and intricate details. The room's decor reflects the opulence of the Yusupov family, with its elegant furniture, ornate chandeliers, and lavish textiles. The panels on the walls are made of silk with golden patterns and it has an elaborate parquet floor. This room was likely used for social gatherings, where the Yusupovs entertained their guests in style. The vibrant red tones and exquisite craftsmanship make it one of the notable rooms in the palace.  Another Drawing Room is the Blue Drawing room, which is also known as the Blue Parlor and is characterized by its soft blue tones, intricate mouldings, and luxurious furnishings, creating a serene and sophisticated atmosphere. The decor reflects the neoclassical style, with ornate details and harmonious proportions that were popular during the time. With its white marble walls, blue panels, gilded décor and ornate ceiling, the room was likely used for social gatherings and intimate conversations. Its calming colour palette and elegant design make it one of the must-see rooms in the palace.  The White Column Hall or banquet hall is known for its classical elegance and spacious design, making it a centrepiece for formal events and gatherings. Its size and architectural beauty reflect the opulence of the palace, where musicians perform short concerts throughout the day. At nearly 450 square metres in size, it is the palace’s biggest hall and was perfect for receptions and splendid balls thrown by the Yusupov family. The Hall is lined with a Corinthian colonnade, contains a vaulted ceiling and carved architraves. The decor showcases exquisite neoclassical design, with elegant mouldings, luxurious chandeliers, and ornate detailing throughout.  The palace also has an ornate Russian Baroque private theatre which is designed in the style of traditional European theatres. It features a richly adorned interior, complete with a stage, plush seating, boxes and balconies which are richly decorated by elegant gilt modelling, and luxurious velvet curtains. The intimate size of the theatre allowed for private performances of operas, plays, and musical concerts, attended by family members and their guests.  There are also numerous other spectacular rooms all of which convey an image of life in the time of the Yusupovs. The palace includes several dining rooms, each uniquely decorated. These rooms were designed for both formal meals and intimate family gatherings. An example of this is the Oak Dining Room which is finished with carved panels and decorated with the family coats of arms and is a strikingly elegant space that showcases the grandeur of traditional Russian aristocratic design with a rich, dark finish. It would have been used for formal dining occasions, where the Yusupov family hosted guests. The furnishings in the room featured high-backed chairs, a grand dining table, and ornate chandeliers, all contributing to the room's sophisticated ambiance.  Apart from the Public Rooms, visitors can also visit the private quarters, these provide a glimpse into the personal spaces of one of Russia's wealthiest noble families. It complements the grandeur of the palace's public rooms while maintaining a sense of intimacy and refinement. Such a room is the "Blue Bedroom" which is known for its serene blue hues and elegant design. It reflects the luxurious lifestyle of the Yusupov family, combining both comfort and sophistication. The walls and furnishings feature intricate details and soft blue tones, creating a tranquil and refined atmosphere. The room is named for its dominant blue colour scheme, which is reflected in the walls, furnishings, and decor. The design showcases the luxurious lifestyle of the Yusupov family, with intricate details, fine fabrics, and exquisite craftsmanship.  The interiors not only served as functional living and entertainment spaces but also stood as a symbol of the Yusupov family's social and cultural stature during the Imperial era. From the richly adorned ceilings to the intricate woodwork and gilded details, the displays of photographs and statues and items, the palace is a masterpiece of design. The statues and sculptures, reflect the family's appreciation for fine art and classical traditions. These statues are located in significant spaces throughout the palace, such as halls, drawing rooms, complementing the grandeur and elegance of the interiors.  The Palace showcases an extraordinary collection of furniture and items that reflect the opulence, taste, and cultural patronage of the Yusupov family.  Also on display around the Palace are a number of framed photographs that add a personal and historical touch to its interior. These photographs often depict members of the Yusupov family, capturing moments from their lives and showcasing their prominence in Russian aristocracy. Some images may also highlight significant events or individuals associated with the palace's history.
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All Photographs were taken by and are copyright of Ron Gatepain
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