VLADIVOSTOK

MUSEUMS AND PALACE-AND-PARK OF ST. PETERSBURG SUBURBS.
Pushkin (Tsarskoye Selo)
 

Pushkin was developed mainly as a summer resort for the aristocracy. The palace and park ensemble were created in the 18-19th centuries during the reigns of Elizabeth and Catherine. It's a fascinating monument of the world's architectural and gardening arts of the XVIII-XIX centuries. Its 3 parks occupy the area of 600 ha where you'll see palaces, monuments, pavilions and park sculptures.

The focal point of the Tsarskoselsky ensemble is Catherine Palace. It's the work of the outstanding architect of the 18th century Rastrelli, the finest example of Russian Baroque architecture. It contains exquisite decorative objects, furniture, Russian and Western-European paintings, unique collections of porcelain, amber, decorative bronze etc. It has retained all of its solemn dignity and perfect beauty to this day. 

Next to the palace is the Tsarskoselsky Lyceum, an elite school established in Russia at the beginning of the XIX century for noble families' offsprings. Aleksander Pushkin, a great Russian poet, attended it.

Aleksander's Palace is the last residence of Russian imperors. The exposition "Recollections in the Aleksander's Palace" is open here: authentic or partially reconstructed attire, artworks like paintings, graphics, decorative and applied art, costumes, personal belongings related to the life of theirs crowned owners. (the exhibition is open from 10.00 to 04.30 daily. Closed on Tuesday.)

You are welcome to Saint-Petersburg!