Yusupov Palace: A Must-See Guide to St. Petersburg

Yusupov Palace, located on the Moika River in St. Petersburg, Russia, is one of the city's most historically and culturally significant landmarks. Constructed in the 18th century and designed by the French architect Jean-Baptiste Vallin de la Mothe, the palace was later renovated and expanded by several well-known architects. It combines various architectural styles, including Baroque and Rococo, presenting a magnificent and unique appearance. The interior of the palace is extremely luxurious, with exquisite murals, carvings, rare furniture, and artworks, every detail showcasing the once prominent position of the Yusupov family. The Yusupov family was renowned in Russian history, long active in politics, culture, and social welfare. They were not only enthusiastic about charity but also had a strong interest in art collecting, making Yusupov Palace a treasure trove of art. In the early 20th century, the murder of Grigori Rasputin, the mystic advisor to Tsar Nicholas II, added a layer of mystery to the palace. Today, Yusupov Palace has been transformed into a museum open to the public, where visitors can travel through time and experience the past life of the Russian nobility and its profound historical heritage. 🕘 [Opening Hours]: Open from 10:00 to 19:30. It is recommended to spend 2–3 hours visiting. Try to avoid peak hours on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. You can choose to start your visit around 11:00 to 12:00 in the morning, when the flow of people is relatively small. 💴 [Ticket Price]: Adult tickets are RUB 750, and student tickets are RUB 600. After purchasing tickets, the front desk will provide a palace map, which you can also ask for. ⛺ [Things to Do]: Palace Main Staircase: Stepping onto the staircase is like stepping into the past life of the nobility, with exquisite carvings and decorations showcasing luxury. French Furniture Tapestry Living Room: Filled with elegant French-style furniture and exquisite tapestries, every detail exudes romance and nobility. Moorish Living Room in Arabic Style: Unique Arabic-style decoration brings a different visual experience. Bedroom: Showcasing the private space of noble life, luxury without losing warmth. Ballroom (Oval Hall): The core building of the palace, used for holding dances, concerts, and grand receptions. Sixteen Corinthian columns made of artificial marble stand solemnly, and a large mural in the center of the roof depicts Cupid and Psyche soaring in the clouds. During the day, sunlight shines through the glass doors, blending with the beautiful scenery of the park terrace; at night, three-layer chandeliers and floor lamps light up, shining brightly. Red Hall, Blue Hall, Green Hall, Concert Hall: Each hall has a unique decorative style, displaying precious porcelain, sculptures, and a large number of Italian, French, and Dutch paintings, including 2 paintings by Rembrandt. Roman Hall (Ancient Greek and Roman Hall): Like an elongated corridor, it displays a large number of authentic sculptures and pottery from ancient Greece and Rome collected by the Yusupov family. The decoration adopts ancient Greek and Roman techniques, and the ceiling is painted into imaginative arches. Home Theater: Still staging plays, the magnificent theater witnesses the artistic feast of the past. Basement Exhibition Hall: Restores the scene of Rasputin's murder, vividly reproducing that thrilling history through photography, documents, and wax figures. When visiting, you can follow the order of the palace main staircase - French furniture tapestry living room - Arabic-style Moorish living room - bedroom - ballroom - other halls - home theater - basement exhibition hall. Note that wheelchairs are not allowed in some private rooms and the "Last Owner of the Palace" and "Rasputin Murder Case" exhibition areas; most of the information in the museum is displayed in Russian, so it is recommended to hire an English-speaking guide; taking photos requires an extra fee. 🚌 [Transportation]: Public Transportation: Take the subway to Naberezhnaya Kanala Griboyedova station. Walking: If you are in the city center of St. Petersburg, walking is also a good choice, and you can enjoy the city scenery along the way. 👉 [Itinerary]: Nearby Attractions: There is the Moika Canal nearby, with charming riverside scenery that you can stroll along and admire. You can also go to other famous attractions in St. Petersburg, such as the Winter Palace and Peterhof Palace, to further experience the city's historical heritage and charm. 🧡 [Pre-trip Preparation]: Warm Clothing: The weather in St. Petersburg is changeable, and the temperature difference between morning and evening is large. Even in summer, it may be relatively cool, so it is recommended to bring a light jacket. Comfortable Shoes: Visiting the palace requires walking for a long time, so a pair of comfortable shoes is essential. Camera or Mobile Phone: Used to record the beautiful scenery and precious cultural relics in the palace, but be sure to comply with the museum's photography regulations. Translation Tool: Convenient for understanding the Russian introductions in the museum. If you do not hire a guide, a translation tool can help you better understand the history and culture of the palace.