Palace and Park Ensemble “Tsaritsyno”

Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve, located on the southeastern outskirts of the capital, includes the palace and park ensemble of the same name, a monument of architecture of the 18th century, and the adjacent Tsaritsyno ponds and landscape park. In terms of area it is the largest museum complex in Moscow, in terms of importance it is one of the most important.

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Video: Tsaritsyno from the top

Contents

History of the complex

‘ Vasily Bazhenov. “View of Tsaritsyn village”. Design drawing. 1776
‘ Figurny Bridge in Tsaritsyno

Architectural features of the complex

‘ Tsaritsyno Grand Palace
‘ Monument to the architects of Tsaritsyno – Vasily Bazhenov and Matvey Kazakov

Kazakov’s Legacy

The central building of the ensemble was originally designed and built by Bazhenov, but Catherine found the almost completed structure too gloomy. To fulfill the will of the empress had to Matvey Kazakov, who designed a giant palace with a majestic central gallery and many towers. The construction, which was in full swing, was interrupted due to problems with financing and then frozen. Throughout the XIX and most of the XX century guests of Tsaritsyno admired the increasingly dilapidated ruins, until it was decided to restore the building according to the surviving documents. The new Grand Palace is built of modern materials, but is in keeping with the general spirit and style of the Tsaritsyno ensemble.

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‘ Winter in Tsaritsyno

Permanent exposition of the museum

Most guests come to Tsaritsyno to wander around the park and admire the colorful openwork walls of the palaces, but there is a lot to see inside the buildings as well. The spacious halls display more than 40000 works of arts and crafts of the peoples that were once part of the USSR, as well as items related to the imperial family. Among the most unusual exhibits are jewelry of the XII century, miraculously survived services-moderns of the palace, and portraits of the owner of all this luxury. Photography of the exhibits is allowed, but without flash.

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‘ Bridge over the central pond of Tsaritsyno‘
‘ The Church of the Icon of the Mother of God “Life-Giving Source” in Tsaritsyn

Temporary exhibitions

Valuable exhibits from museums in Moscow and the regions are brought to Tsaritsyno, interesting thematic collections are made up of items from the museum’s holdings. In 2015, there are exhibitions of porcelain on military themes, sculptures of the Ostankino estate-museum, trellises of French masters. You should check with the museum staff for photo opportunities.

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Museum complex as a concert venue

The Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve has become a center of attraction for lovers of classical music and literature. In the Atrium of the Bread House organize organ concerts, recitations, in the Musical Drawing Room sounds chamber works. The Bazhenov Hall has a capacity of 100 guests and hosts the most notable events.

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‘ Opera House in Tsaritsyno
‘ Inside the Grand Palace
‘ III Cavalier Corps

Tsaritsyn Park and greenhouses

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‘ Autumn in Tsaritsyno
‘ View of the Upper Pond

Tsaritsyn Ponds

The ponds, which appeared long before the construction of Catherine’s estate, fell into disrepair after Catherine’s death, they were put in order already in our century, artificial islands and wharves were arranged. Today they are the oldest and the largest artificial water structures preserved in the capital. The ponds are closed for bathing, but here you can ride catamarans and boats.

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Legends of Tsaritsyno

Moscow diggers tell that there are underground passages in Tsaritsyno connecting the Small and Grand Palaces, and that sectarians gather there. Scientists found in February 1993 a large geopathogenic zone under the main palace of the ensemble. Old-timers recall legends about curses and ponder whether the new construction will last long.

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Information for guests of the Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve

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‘ www.tsaritsyno-museum.ru.

‘ The Church of the Icon of the Mother of God “Life-Giving Source” in Tsaritsyn

Opening hours and ticket prices

From Tuesday to Sunday the palace complex is open from 11 am to 6-20 pm, Monday is a day off. Visitors can purchase a single ticket for the entire complex, including the greenhouses, valid for a month, for 650 rubles. Entrance only to the Grand Palace and the Bread House costs 200 rubles, as does the Opera House. Beneficiaries will pay 200 rubles for a general ticket and 80 each to visit individual palaces.

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Additional services

Since the total area of Tsaritsyno occupies more than 100 hectares, it is technically difficult to see all the most interesting things at once. For the convenience of visitors, paid trips around the park by electric car along several popular routes are provided.

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