Nicholas Palace on Labor Square is a three-story grand ducal residence with a rich history. Today, it houses the headquarters of the Federation of Trade Unions of St. Petersburg and the region, as well as a museum and a venue for ceremonial events.

This unique residence, built in the neo-Renaissance style, has become an architectural dominant of the square and transformed a semi-abandoned outskirts of the capital into a lively area. Currently, the palace hosts the Council of the Federation of Trade Unions, part of the premises is rented out, and the rest is used for offices.

Emperor Nicholas I ordered the construction of the palace for his son, Grand Duke Nicholas Nikolaevich, as a model of advanced construction of that time. Although the location for the palace seemed unfortunate due to the barracks and warehouses located there, the opening of the Annunciation Bridge in 1850 made the English Embankment a popular walking spot, which determined the choice of location for the residence.

Construction of the palace began on May 21, 1853, under the guidance of architect Andrei Ivanovich Stackenschneider, known for his eclectic designs. A capsule with coins and a commemorative plaque were laid in the foundation of the building. The palace included a residential area, an Arab-style riding hall, a stable, and servant quarters. It was equipped with advanced engineering systems, including plumbing, sewage, and telegraph. The building housed the first hydraulic lift in the city.

Construction lasted eight years with a break for the Crimean War and was completed in 1861. Grand Duke Nicholas Nikolaevich and his family lived here, hosting equestrian exhibitions and balls.

After the prince's death in 1891, the palace was sold to the treasury. In 1894, a women's institute named after Princess Ksenia opened here. The building was reconfigured for the institute, adding classrooms and living quarters for teachers. The education focused on practical skills such as accounting and handicrafts.

After the 1917 revolution, the palace was transferred to the Petrograd Council of Trade Unions and renamed the Palace of Labor. It housed a photo gallery, a printing house, a People's University, and a Central Library. During the Great Patriotic War, the palace served as a hospital, and then it was again occupied by trade unions.

The architecture of the palace is in the style of the Italian Renaissance. The interiors are adorned with stucco, panels, and sculptures. The house church, consecrated in 1863, was decorated with Byzantine painting and stained glass. During the Soviet era, the church suffered, but restoration began in 2011, and the dome was restored.

Today, Nicholas Palace houses the Council of the Federation of Trade Unions, part of the premises is rented out, and concerts and events are held in the halls. Restoration of the interiors continues, and the palace remains an important cultural and historical site.