The Small Palace, one of the architectural decorations of the Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve, is located at the top of a pyramid hill. It is the most compact royal palace in Tsaritsyno, which explains its name. Built by V.I. Bazhenov between 1776 and 1778 on the site of a wooden gazebo from the Kantemirov era, the palace represents a "palatial version" of a park gazebo or pavilion. At first glance, it is hard to guess that this miniature building in the shape of a semi-rotunda is an imperial palace. Only the personal monogram of Catherine the Second in its decor indicates the special status of the building.

The main facade of the Small Palace faces the "Birch Perspectives," and its semicircular body with two side wings is directed towards the Upper Tsaritsyn Pond. Behind the building, at the edge of the pyramid hill, there is now an observation deck that offers a view of the Upper Pond and the surrounding landscapes. The Small Palace likely served as a place for Catherine the Second's private activities and confidential conversations. The Empress loved to change her surroundings and spent time in different palaces and rooms of her residences.

The central space of the Small Palace is an oval hall, bright and harmonious in proportions. It is adjacent to the oval boudoir of the empress and a suite of small service rooms, such as a hallway, reception room, and a room for secretaries and maids. The palace layout includes a small section for the empress's toilet needs. It was in a similar room in the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg that the 67-year-old Catherine the Second suffered a stroke, from which she passed away on November 6, 1796. The atmosphere of the Small Palace embodies the spirit of the "gallant" 18th century. From the five tall pointed windows of the oval hall, there is a view of the picturesque expanses of the Upper Tsaritsyn Pond. Currently, small historical, cultural, and art exhibitions are held in the palace's interiors.