We continue exploring the remarkable architectural monument of the 18th–20th centuries — the Yusupov Palace on the Moika River. As previously mentioned, the palace is famously associated with the tragic events of 1916 — the murder of Grigory Rasputin. Today, we will visit the basement where the murder was intended to take place.
Directions to the palace can be found in our article about the “Parade Rooms of the Yusupov Palace” tour. Today, however, we will discuss another route, titled “20th Century: The Last Owners of the Palace.” You can visit this exhibition as part of a guided group or independently. We chose the former option, and the cost of an adult ticket was 450 rubles (in 2019).
The first part of the tour takes us through the chambers of the young princes — the rooms of Felix and Irina Yusupov. With the guide, we visited the Grand Drawing Room, boudoir, prince’s office with a swimming pool, the treasure room called the “Aladdin’s Cave,” and even the bathroom.
Unfortunately, the current interiors differ significantly from those during the Yusupovs' time: the winter garden is now an empty room with an unusual shape, and the “Aladdin’s Cave” is a small space with bare walls.
We then proceed to the second part of the tour — the exhibition dedicated to the murder of Grigory Rasputin. Our goal is not to detail the events of that December night in 1916; many of us know this story from school, and the palace guides are excellent — they will not only tell you the official version of the murder but also provide alternative perspectives on what happened that night.
First, we enter the conspirators' room. Here, wax figures of Dr. Lazovert, State Duma deputy Purishkevich, Grand Duke Dmitry Pavlovich, and Lieutenant Sukhotin are displayed. The exhibition of documents and photographs is particularly intriguing: you can see the original notes Rasputin wrote to his high-ranking patrons.
The final part of our journey into the past takes place in the basement, where Rasputin was supposedly poisoned. Interestingly, Rasputin was only 47 years old at the time of his murder. In this room, you can see figures of Felix Yusupov and Grigory Rasputin, with a table set between them. Adjacent to the basement, you can find various photographs and historical documents.
From a small window near the ceiling, you can see a children's playground — time has rearranged things in its own way. Where once the palace's interiors shone and destinies were shaped, now young St. Petersburg residents play. Occasionally, bouquets of fresh flowers appear at the window — a testament to Rasputin's admirers and those fascinated by this mysterious story even a century later.
In summary:
- A unique and fascinating exhibition in historic interiors;
- Knowledgeable and professional guides;
- We recommend starting your visit with the state rooms and continuing with the Rasputin exhibition.
- Part 1: Yusupov Palace on the Moika. Tour of the State Rooms
- Part 3: Yusupov Palace on the Moika. Tour “19th Century: The Prince’s Private Chambers”
