Author of materials about St. Petersburg, travel, excursions, and city routes.
Accredited guide for St. Petersburg, its suburbs and excursions for families with children.
Just imagine: you're walking along Nevsky Prospect – and suddenly the soft pink Stroganov Palace appears before you, as if it had stepped off the pages of an adventure novel. This is a house with character: built by Rastrelli for Russia's wealthiest family, it holds legends of a mysterious fire, Masonic symbols, life without bedrooms, and balls that all of St. Petersburg whispered about.
The history of the Stroganov Palace: how it all began
It all began in 1753–1754, when Baron Sergei Stroganov decided that his modest home was due to turn into something grand. They say the famous architect Francesco Rastrelli didn't usually take private commissions, but the Stroganovs were so rich and influential that he simply couldn't refuse. There were rumors that the palace was built in a record six weeks, but that's just an urban legend — in reality, the construction took a couple of years.
It all began, by the way, after a very suspicious fire in a neighboring house, which finally "convinced" the previous owners of the plot to sell the land to the Stroganovs. A coincidence? Who knows!
Architecture with a secret: the pink facade and the mysterious profile
This palace is pure "Russian Baroque." Did you know it wasn't always pink? It used to be painted a sandy color, just like the Winter Palace. The facade is adorned with the Stroganov coat of arms with two sables — a nod to their Siberian holdings.
The greatest mystery is the medallions with a male profile beneath the windows. To this day, no one knows for sure who it is: Rastrelli himself or the owner of the house, Sergei Stroganov?
Interesting fact: the facade facing Nevsky Prospekt is more lavishly decorated than the one facing the Moika, as it faces the 'red line' of St. Petersburg, which by pre-revolutionary law was to be built up only with richly decorated buildings so as not to spoil the ceremonial appearance of the city.
The palace interiors: Masons, the Mirror Dining Room, and life without bedrooms
Andrei Voronikhin worked on the interiors, who, by the way, was a former serf of the Stroganovs. The owners recognized his talent in time and granted him his freedom. Here's what will definitely impress you inside:
The Grand Ballroom
This is the only interior that has survived almost in its original form since the time of Rastrelli. Its calling card is the picturesque ceiling painting by Giuseppe Valeriani. The ceiling consists of 13 separate canvases mounted on stretchers and covers a full 125 square meters.
The Mineralogical Study
The study itself is two-tiered, housing books and minerals. On the lower level, folios were read; on the upper level, stones were admired, and the walls were decorated with allegorical bas-reliefs of the four elements. It was said that later this hall was turned into an ordinary billiard room; now it has been fully restored and even some of the original stones from the collection of the Academy of Sciences have been returned.
And the most curious fact: originally, the palace had not a single bedroom! The Stroganovs loved traveling so much that they used the mansion only for balls and receptions. Also, be sure to take a look at the Arabesque Drawing Room and the State Dining Room.
The Stroganov Palace today
Today it is part of the Russian Museum, and as many as 25 halls are open to tourists. You can see the exhibition 'Russian Empire Style' or visit the unique Chocolate Museum, which is tucked away in one of the wings. Be sure to go into the inner courtyard to the sphinxes — it's a favorite spot for photos, although the current guardians are merely copies of those that stood here before the revolution.
The Stroganov Palace is a place where the history of Russia's wealthiest dynasty comes alive. The pink palace can turn your head with Masonic secrets or evoke pure delight from its halls.
The Stroganov Palace: answering your questions
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Exhibitions of the Stroganov Palace
The palace hosts a permanent exhibition 'Russian Empire Style' (decorative and applied arts of the era of Alexander I). In the picture gallery, you can see works by Western European masters such as Rembrandt and Rubens. -
Address of the Stroganov Palace
Nevsky Prospekt, 17 (corner of the Moika River Embankment). Directly opposite the main entrance is the 'Bolshaya Konyushennaya Street' stop. You can get there by buses No. 3, 22, 27, 49 or trolleybuses No. 5, 22. -
Opening hours of the Stroganov Palace
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday — from 10:00 to 18:00; Thursday — from 13:00 to 21:00. Tuesday is a day off. -
Architect of the Stroganov Palace
The main Baroque design was created by Francesco Rastrelli. Later, Andrei Voronikhin, F. I. Demertsov, P. S. Sadovnikov, and Carlo Rossi worked on the interiors and reconstruction.
Excursion to the Stroganov Palace
This is a place for those who want to feel like a true aristocrat and touch the secrets that the pink walls of the palace have hidden for centuries, and Leningrad Tour will help you get there for an excursion!
The tour also includes a visit to St. Isaac's Square and Smolny Cathedral. You will also see the legendary Egyptian Sphinxes on the University Embankment and can compare them with those guarding the Stroganov Palace. At the end of the tour, we will stop by a souvenir shop for memorable gifts!
Excursion to the Stroganov Palace
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