Marble Staircase

This staircase is one of the best examples of the Neo-Renaissance style of the mid-19th century. The steps of the staircase were fashioned with white marble, its railings cast of iron, and the handrail made of mahogany. The marble fireplace adorned the first flight of the stairs.

Marble staircase

Exhibition in celebration of the 200th anniversary of K.F. Baggovut

It is dedicated to Karl Fedorovich Baggovut (29.12.1810-10.03.1895), the first honoured citizen of Gatchina who headed the Gatchina Estate Board. The exhibition displays an official’s study, characteristic of the second half of 19th century. On view are an original desk from the private rooms of Emperor Alexander II, books from the library of the Gatchina Palace, and stationery.

The Memorial study of the Grand Duke Mikhail Alexandrovich

Displayed are rare personal belongings of Alexander III’s younger son, which Pauline Gray (the granddaughter of N.S. Brasova, who was the morganistic wife of Grand Duke Mikhail Alexandrovich) donated to the museum on September 17, 2003. Also on view are books and weapons from the museum collection.

Introductory display

Alexander III and his family moved to stay at Gatchina on March 27, 1881.
The family members took residence on the mezzanine floor. The furnishings of the wing remained largely intact up to the beginning of World War II. During the Nazi occupation and the war, the palace suffered considerable damage. This exhibition is seen as the first step towards the revival of the Arsenal Wing.

The Bedroom of the Grand Duchess Ksenia Alexandrovna

The modest furnishings of the Grand Duchess’ room were characteristic of the time, featuring a washing table, wardrobes, mirrors, a couch, and arm-chairs. A large bed was concealed by a wide screen. The room is now restored to its original appearance.

The Study of the Grand Duchess Ksenia Alexandrovna

The suite of rooms belonging to the Grand Dutches Xenia Alexandrovna was notable for its exquisite and uniform style. The display of her study was installed in Alexander III’s former second dressing room.

Bathroom of Grand Duchess Ksenia Alexandrovna

The Study of Grand Dukes

The reproduced study of Nikolay Alexandrovich and Georgy Alexandrovich shows typical interiors of the period installed in the former first dressing room of the Emperor Alexander III.

Working room

The Working Study of Emperor Alexander III

This room was the Emperor’s personal choice, who had a liking for towers and enjoyed splendid views of the park. The spiral staircase connected this room with the reception halls, the large study on the 2nd floor of the tower and the Arsenal Wing.

The Dining Room

It was a gathering place for family members and a circle of intimate friends who were invited to dinner. The food was delivered by a kitchen elevator, which was concealed behind an inconspicuous door. The furnishings are recreated to their original appearance, using a large number of surviving memorabilia.

The Drawing Room of Empress Maria Feodorovna

Maria Feodorvna’s working study also served as a drawing room for the close-knit imperial family. The recreated room reproduces with the utmost accuracy the atmosphere of the period. The original pieces of furniture (a table with embroidery on it, a desk, a book stand, and a corner wardrobe) are supplemented with similar pieces of the period.

The Bedroom of Alexander III and Maria Feodorvna

It was the most spacious room on the mezzanine floor in the Gatchina Palace and quite consistent with the taste of the Emperor. The room has not been restored yet. The display is installed in one of the service rooms.