The Palace of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich in Kolomenskoye, built in the second half of the 17th century, is often referred to as a "toy taken from a chest" and the "eighth wonder of the world." Today, it is a highly accurate reconstruction of the original.

The palace served as the center of the country residence in the 17th-18th centuries. Its construction began in 1666 under Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich and continued under his son, Tsar Fyodor. The best craftsmen were involved in its construction: carvers, carpenters, and icon painters from the Armory Chamber. The construction was overseen by the carpenter foreman Semyon Petrov and the head of the archers Ivan Mikhailov. The work was carried out for a long time and with great care. From the winter of 1667 to the spring of 1668, carving work was done, in 1668 the masters covered the doors and prepared for the painting of the walls, where later icons and paintings appeared. In the spring and summer of 1670, blacksmiths and metalworkers were at work. The sovereign personally monitored the construction and often visited Kolomenskoye.

In the 18th century, the palace gradually fell into disrepair, and in 1767, by order of Catherine II, it began to be dismantled. The original did not survive, but by 2010, the palace was fully recreated. The reconstruction became possible thanks to plans drawn up during the dismantling, as well as unique descriptions and images. The only difference between the modern palace and the original is the reinforced concrete frame, hidden under wooden logs.

The roofs of the palace, shaped like tents, cubes, onion domes, and helmets, along with mica windows, weather vanes, and carved porches, create a fairy-tale atmosphere. The palace features an asymmetrical layout consisting of numerous chambers connected by halls and passages. Carved window frames and cladding imitating stone were used for the first time in Russian wooden architecture.

The complex was divided into men's and women's halves. The men's half included the terems of the tsar and tsareviches, the ceremonial hall, and the dining chamber, while the women's half contained the terems of the tsarina and tsarevnas. There were a total of 26 terems of varying heights, from 2 to 4 floors. The main living quarters were located on the second floor, and the palace had a total of 270 rooms.

Inside, the walls and ceilings are decorated with paintings, and the stoves are faced with tiles. The interior paintings symbolized the patronage of the royal power. The ceiling paintings in the Front Chambers reflect biblical themes, in the Tsarina's Throne Room, the seasons are depicted, in the chambers of Elizabeth Petrovna, "The Triumph of Mars and Venus," and in the Dining Chamber, the sun, moon, stars, and zodiac signs. Many interior items are originals from the 17th and 18th centuries.

From 1672 to 1675, Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich frequently visited Kolomenskoye with his family and held diplomatic ceremonies there. His son, Fyodor Alexeyevich, rebuilt the building, starting the construction of the Dining Chamber. The palace was beloved by subsequent rulers of Russia. From 1682 to 1696, Tsar Ivan and Tsarevna Sofia Alexeyevna stayed here, as well as Tsar Peter and Tsarina Natalia Kirillovna. Under Peter I, a new foundation was laid.

Today, the reconstructed palace fully corresponds to the original. It houses a museum complex with an interior composition, exhibition halls, workshops, souvenir shops, and cafes. Visitors can see the palace's exhibition, its women's and men's halves, and learn all the secrets of the "eighth wonder of the world" with a guided tour. Temporary exhibitions prepared by the museum's researchers are regularly held here.