Nikolaev Palace
Nikolayevsky Palace was built by architect Andrei Shtakenshneider (the author of the Mariinsky Palace) for the son of Emperor Nicholas I, Grand Duke Nicholas Nikolaevich.
General information
This younger brother of Emperor Alexander II was a military man and commanded Russian troops in the liberation of Bulgaria. His loveless marriage to Princess Oldenburgskaya, despite the birth of two sons, was unsuccessful. While his wife was spiritedly engaged in charity work, the Grand Duke divided his time between military maneuvers, stables and ballet performances. He was a passionate admirer of ballet, and especially of pretty ballerinas. One of them, a young bright dancer Chislova, became a constant companion of his life. The fruit of this relationship over time became four illegitimate children. It was said that Chislova was a woman of strong character and a heavy hand, from whom Nikolai Nikolaevich often got in trouble, despite all the class differences between them.
.After the death of the Grand Duke, the Nicholas Palace housed the Xenin Institute for Noble Maidens Orphans, established in honor of the marriage of Grand Duchess Xenia Alexandrovna. After the revolution, the poor noblewomen were squeezed out by trade unions, which turned the Nicholas Palace into the Palace of Labor. The palace is now known for its evening folklore performances organized in the restored grand-ducal interiors.
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