The most sumptuous non-imperial palace in St. Petersburg was the home of rich and powerful Yusupov family, who from the mid-18th century (when the first version of this palace was built) until the revolution, moved in the most powerful circles in Russia.

The Yusupovs were great collectors of art, and their collection was known well beyond Russia. After the revolution most of the collection was moved to the Hermitage, though traces of the incredible wealth that once kept this palace pulsating with life still remain:

the various sitting rooms, the intricate chandeliers and candelabras that adorn every room and corridor, and the beautiful private theater that looks like a cozy version of the Mariinsky. The palace has been registered in the catalogue named “European Private Mansions of Interest” by the British “Weidenfeld and Nicholson” Company.

Recently the palace opened an exhibit concerning an event that occurred in the palace in the winter of 1916. It is in this palace where the assassination of Rasputin, one of the most scandalous figures in Russian history, took place. The exhibit shows two rooms where it all happened. In the first room one can see wax figures of the conspirators - the Russian noblemen who participated in the drama. In the cellar where the assassination took place there are two wax figures at the table - young count Yusupov and Rasputin.

Open 10:00 - 17:00