The Yusupov Palace Tour: THe Yusupov Palace is the former private
residence of one of the richest families in Russia. The elite aristocratic
Yusupov dynasty occupied the palace for five generations.
The palace and manor complex were built over a period of two
centuries so its eclectic architecture is a blend of styles from the 18th to
the 20th century.
The original building was built along the embankment of the Moika
River around 1776 by a French architect but since the 1830's, when the Yusupov
family acquire the property, several extensions and reconstructions have taken
place across the generations using a number of architects from various
countries.
The palace's last owner was Prince Felix Yusupov, an eccentric
high-society mover who was probably the richest man in Russia at the time.
Today, it is a historical and cultural monument and one of the few
aristocratic mansion which has ceremonial suites, art galleries a miniature
private theatre and luxurious private rooms which have been preserved with
furnishings laid out in the way that the last Yusupov family to live in the
palace, left it.
Yusupov Palace also has an intriguing and dark history for it is
best known as the sight of Gregory Rasputin's brutal murder in 1916.
Over the years the wealthy family have collected many pieces of
art and special furniture to enhance and extend the palace's decor and
collections. Today over 40,000 works of art have been accumulate and displayed
on the walls throughout the palace complex. Not all of the collection is shown
at once but at regular intervals some exhibit pieces are replaced with exhibit
pieces stored away in the extensive archive collections of this beautiful
museum-palace.
The entrance to the palace is a tall and mainly marble staircase.
It is very opulent but I think its the ceiling in the staircase area that is so
impressive because the ceiling mouldings are so exquisitely produced with
floral arrangements, cupid figurines and gracious maidens as part of the
intricacies of the plaster and stucco moulding designs. I've never seen such
detail ornateness in a ceiling before. Massive crystal chandeliers also add to
the glamour and opulence of the staircase area.
The palace has a rich decor with its luxurious furnishings,
elegant furniture and expensive art works. Its spacious stately halls were
designed to cater for large balls, festive banquets and huge celebrations
amongst the nobility and Russian leadership. The Yusupov family were renowned
for holding wonderfully lavish parties and many operetta and instrumental
concerts on regular occasions.
Here are just some of the rooms we visited in the Yusupov
Palace:
The Salon Room has adventurously bright pink and
gold silk wall coverings and even the gilt furniture has been upholstered in a
similar bright pink cloth. Look at the magnificent mirror and beautiful parquet
flooring.
The Round Marble Room: This room is light and airy .
The 8 tall highly polished marble columns which form a circular colonnade
around the room look very grecian. The painted circular ceiling motif is
exquisite with its floral patterns and dancing nymphs adorning it. I've
included 4 different shots of this room so I must have been impressed with its
whole persona tpped off with its white circular central chaisse-sofa and
gracious marble statue taking centre stage.
The Ladies Drawing Room: The furniture looks very regal with its royal blue covered throne-like chairs, matching twin settees and opulent sculptured silver enamel-inset circular table. The parquet flooring is a geometrical piece of artwork too.
Laughing Baby Sculpture: What a unique and dainty piece of fine marble sculpture work!
The pillow looks like linen and the baby's laughter is 'almost ' audible.Her expression
undeniably recognisable and her bonnet so realistic!
The Interior Room: The malachite fireplace is the
focal piece of furniture in this room with its gilt edgings. It looks
extravagant and is complemented by the ornate gilt framed double mirror which
reflects light from the large windows in the room and from the calibra-designed
chandelier. This room would have been great as a music or card game area. 
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