The Alexander Palace, one of the most beautiful in Tsarskoye Selo, the former imperial residence near St. Petersburg (now Pushkin), was built in the late 18th century by order of Catherine II. It became a wedding gift for the future Emperor Alexander Pavlovich. Under Nicholas II, the palace served as the main residence of the Romanovs and has recently reopened after extensive restoration.

The history of its construction is linked to the Romanov dynasty's tradition of marrying into German dynasties. Alexander I married the Princess of Hesse-Darmstadt, who became Elizabeth Alexeyevna. To ease the young couple's adaptation, Catherine II ordered the construction of a palace in Tsarskoye Selo, named in honor of Alexander I.

Initially, Catherine planned to create a copy of Voltaire's Château de Ferney, but chose Tsarskoye Selo, where the estates of Menshikov and Marta Skavronskaya were previously located. The architect was Giacomo Quarenghi, and the project was approved by the Empress herself. Notable architects such as I.V. Neelov and A.I. Stakenschneider participated in the decoration.

Construction began in 1792, and by May 1796, the palace was ready. The newlyweds moved in, although the final finishing took several more years. The architectural style of the palace reflects Palladian classicism. The building is a two-story structure with a suite of halls and a semi-rotunda in the center, faced with white artificial marble. A colonnade of the Corinthian order separates the inner courtyard from the outer space.

The interior decoration of the palace combines Italian and Greek styles. Quarenghi chose a strict and simple style, avoiding excesses. A Christmas tree was traditionally set up in the Semi-Circular Hall. Nicholas Pavlovich held celebrations here, and his widow lived in the palace until 1860.

The Alexander Palace became the summer residence of the emperor, and its architectural solution included an open-air hall. Under Alexander III and Nicholas II, the palace was remodeled, changing the original interiors. In 1896, the left wing was converted for the imperial family.

In 1897, the Kitchen Wing was connected to the palace by an underground tunnel that was never used. Nicholas II spent much of his time here, and the palace became the center of court life. During World War I, it housed a military headquarters.

After the revolution, the palace became a museum and was later used for various needs. During the Soviet era, the building gradually deteriorated, but thanks to the efforts of art historian Kuchumov, it received the status of a protected site.

During the war, the palace was damaged, but afterward, it was used for storing collections. In 1996, the palace was transferred to the Tsarskoye Selo Reserve, and restoration began. In 2009, the palace was finally handed over to the museum-reserve, and restoration continued until 2021.

The interiors were restored based on photographs and archival documents. Many elements, including furniture and decor, were recreated. Restoration continues, with both permanent and temporary exhibitions planned.

The Alexander Park adjacent to the palace was created in the style of English landscape parks. It includes the Landscape and Regular parks, bridges, and pavilions. The park is beautiful at any time of year, especially in spring and autumn.

Tickets to the museum can be purchased online as well as at the reserve's ticket offices. Prices vary depending on the category of visitors. Tsarskoye Selo can be reached by electric train or buses from St. Petersburg.