Anichkov Palace is the oldest building on Nevsky Prospect that has survived to this day. Previously, it served as an imperial residence and the center of social life in St. Petersburg, and in the 21st century, it has become a favorite spot for the city's youth.

History of Anichkov Palace

The palace was founded during the era of palace coups when in 1741, the tsarevna Elizabeth, daughter of Peter the Great, ordered the construction of the area on the outskirts of the city, where the Preobrazhensky regiment's courtyard was located. At that time, the Fontanka River separated St. Petersburg from the south, and the new residence was to be located at the entrance to the city. The name "Anichkov" palace was derived from a wooden bridge over a small river, which was the road into the city. The bridge was likely named after the engineer Lieutenant Colonel Mikhail Anichkov, under whose supervision it was built. Architect Mikhail Grigorievich Zemtsov designed the palace in the Baroque style, and after his death, Bartolomeo Rastrelli continued the work.

The building was surrounded by a garden with flowerbeds and fountains. When construction was completed in 1757, Elizabeth gifted the palace to her favorite, Alexei Razumovsky. After his death, the estate passed to his younger brother Kirill. In 1776, Catherine the Great purchased the palace and transferred it to Grigory Potemkin, who remodeled it in a stricter classical style. Later, the palace became the property of the treasury and was used as a government institution.

In 1794, the building housed the Cabinet of His Imperial Majesty, and it became the personal office of the emperor. A year later, a valuable collection of books belonging to Joseph Zalusky was stored here, which later became the foundation for a public library. In the 19th century, the palace was often gifted to members of the imperial family, and new buildings were added. In 1809, Alexander I designated it as a dowry for Princess Ekaterina Pavlovna. After her departure in 1816, the palace returned to the state. In 1817, Alexander I gifted it to his brother Nikolai Pavlovich, who would become Nicholas I. The royal family lived here during the renovation of the Winter Palace after the fire of 1837, and the future emperor Alexander II spent his childhood here. Alexander II gifted the palace to his heir Alexander III, who made it his official residence. After the death of Alexander III, his widow Maria Feodorovna continued to live here.

Anichkov Palace witnessed many historical events. In 1786, the piano was heard here for the first time in Russia, and in 1830, peace with Turkey was celebrated. In 1836, Nicholas I tried to dissuade Pushkin from a duel, and in 1838, a lottery was held here, the proceeds of which were used to buy Taras Shevchenko out of serfdom. In this palace, Irina and Felix Yusupov were married, silent films were shown for the first time, and poet V. I. Zhukovsky lived here as a mentor to the heir.

During the Soviet era, the palace was occupied by various city institutions, including the largest Pioneer Palace in the Union. It continued to operate even during the blockade when schoolchildren came for classes and celebrated New Year. For some time, a museum of the city's history was located here. In 1989, Anichkov Lyceum for gifted children opened in one of the annexes, and in 1990, the Pioneer Palace became the Palace of Creativity for Youth. Many well-known residents of the city, such as actress Alisa Freindlich, opera singer Elena Obraztsova, directors Lev Dodin and Sergey Solovyov, as well as chess players Boris Spassky and Mark Taimanov, studied in the palace's circles.

Description and Architecture of Anichkov Palace

Anichkov Palace is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in St. Petersburg. Originally, its facade faced the Fontanka River, not Nevsky Prospect. Since guests often arrived by water, a canal with a harbor led to the estate, allowing ships to approach the main entrance. The building resembled the letter H: the central part and side wings were three stories high, while the transitions were two stories. After Zemtsov's death, Rastrelli altered the design, adding Baroque elements. The palace received a chapel and a large hall with a grand staircase decorated with statues and ornaments. Rastrelli also created a gilded iconostasis, later transferred to the Vladimir Cathedral.

Around the building was a garden with pavilions and fountains, designed by the Briton Ludwig Taper. Under Potemkin, the palace acquired a more austere appearance. Ivan Starov made it three stories high, filled in the harbor, and removed unnecessary decorations. Instead of a garden, a landscape park with a gallery for events and a pond was created. By the early 19th century, the territory of the palace had shrunk: on the site of one of the pavilions, the Alexandrinsky Theater was built, and on the site of the greenhouses, the Imperial Public Library. The complex was supplemented with two buildings that concealed the view of the palace from Anichkov Bridge. In 1935, a cinema hall was opened in the home church, sports halls in the Manege, and the premises were converted into classrooms.

Interior of Anichkov Palace

Today, visitors to Anichkov Palace can explore 10 grand halls with original interiors. Among them are the Dance Hall, also known as the White Column Hall, and the Grand Dining Room, designed by Luigi Rusca. In the winter garden, along with exotic plants, one can see sculptures of ancient heroes. The Yellow Drawing Room in the Baroque style and the Raspberry Drawing Room with a mirror and bas-reliefs, made in Maria Feodorovna's favorite color, are also open for visits. The Yellow Drawing Room, or Golden Hall, is a bright room with four windows, draped in yellow fabric. The ceiling is adorned with paintings on ancient themes, and mirrors in gilded frames.

The White Drawing Room served as a ceremonial room. Its walls are covered with white fabric with floral patterns. The ceiling is painted with ancient themes, and the fireplace is decorated with a bas-relief of Alexander the Great. Here, Zhukovsky gifted Pushkin his portrait. In the foyer, there is a chandelier called "Big Pineapple," symbolizing hospitality. This room is finished with green panels, and visitors entered it by ascending a staircase decorated with stucco and columns. In the 19th century, there was a platform for a lifting machine here.

The ballroom, where Pushkin observed the dancers, is also noteworthy. The library, created in 1869 by the design of Monighetti and Zhibera, is decorated in the Renaissance style. It features niches for entrances, a fireplace, staircases, and a secret room. The fairy tale rooms, painted in 1936 based on the works of Gorky and Pushkin, are also interesting. Previously, these were royal dressing rooms. The paint used for the murals contained egg yolks, requiring 20,000 eggs. One of the rooms also features a pineapple chandelier.

Visitor Information for Anichkov Palace

Since 1991, Anichkov Palace has hosted a local history museum. It can only be visited as part of organized groups. The tour "Palace of Kings, Museum Palace, Palace of Children" allows visitors to see restored rooms and learn about its history. For a group of 1 to 5 people, a single ticket must be purchased for 1500 rubles. Registration for the 1.5-hour tour is conducted according to the schedule and is only for adults. The group is formed as participants sign up, and each participant pays for their ticket. Children can also participate in the tour.

How to Get to Anichkov Palace?

Anichkov Palace is located at: Nevsky Prospect, house 39, letter A. It is situated in the center of St. Petersburg, so it is not difficult to reach. Most visitors prefer to take the metro to "Gostiny Dvor" station and then walk along Nevsky Prospect. If you exit at "Mayakovskaya" station, you need to cross Anichkov Bridge. For public transport, look for stops "Metro Station Gostiny Dvor" and "Palace of Creativity for Youth."