Museums. Palaces

Many beautiful, old palaces and grand houses of nobility and merchants are used as concert halls, institutes and government offices. Often special events are held there. Though these palaces are generally not operated as museums, most of them offer thematical excursions by special order.

Built in 1741-1754, designed by Zemtsov, Dmitriev, Rastrelli. Now houses the Palace of Youth Creativity.

Designed in 1839-44 by architect Stakensneider for Maria Nikolaevna, the daughter of Nicholas I, hence the name. In 1884 the building was turned over to government institution, housing State Council, Committee of Ministers and later Council of Ministers. From 1945 onwards it was housing Leningrad City Council. Currently the Legislative Assembly of St. Petersburg is located here.