Grand Kremlin Palace

The Grand Kremlin Palace is a majestic architectural ensemble located in the very heart of the capital. It is not just a single building, but a large-scale complex of structures created over nearly five centuries. Today, the palace serves as the official residence of the President of the Russian Federation and remains one of the country’s most significant historical landmarks.

History of the Palace Complex

Early Construction Period

The history of the Kremlin Palace began at the end of the 15th century, when the construction was overseen by the Italian architect Aleviz Fryazin. The first buildings of the ensemble laid the foundation for future large-scale transformations.

The Era of Empress Elizabeth

During the reign of Elizabeth Petrovna, the palace was planned to be repeatedly rebuilt. The famous architect Rastrelli proposed his reconstruction project, but the empress found it insufficiently ambitious. As a result, a radical decision was made to completely demolish the existing buildings.

The Vasily Bazhenov Project

Construction of a new palace according to the designs of Vasily Bazhenov was planned, but before the work began, it was discovered that implementing the project could lead to the destruction of the Archangel Cathedral. This revelation halted construction for many years, and the grand plans were forgotten for almost a century.

Revival under Nicholas I

Construction resumed only in the 1830s at the initiative of Emperor Nicholas I. The ruler sought to create a symbol of the historical continuity of power and demonstrate the grandeur of the Russian Empire. The project was designed by architect Konstantin Ton, and construction took place from 1838 to 1851 — more than ten years of painstaking work.

Architectural Features

Exterior Appearance

The main façade of the palace stretches along the Moskva River for 125 meters, and the height of the building reaches 37 meters. The structure appears to have three floors due to the tall arched windows arranged in three rows, although it actually has only two floors. This optical illusion is achieved by the use of double-height ceilings on the upper level.

Stylistic Solutions

The architecture of the palace represents a harmonious blend of various styles. It intertwines elements of the Byzantine-Russian style, intended to emphasize dynastic ties with the Byzantine emperors, as well as features of the Renaissance, Baroque, and Classicism. The façade is adorned with carved white window frames, pilasters, and double arches, with a tribune and balustrade forming the center of the composition.

Innovative Technologies

During the construction of the palace, advanced 19th-century building methods were used, including the use of cement and lightweight ceiling structures. These innovations made it possible to create more spacious rooms with high ceilings.

State and Order Halls

The palace has over 700 rooms, among which five main halls stand out, each named after one of the highest orders of the Russian Empire.

St. George’s Hall

This monumental hall is dedicated to the empire’s most prestigious award — the Order of St. George the Victorious. The room, designed in white and gold tones, evokes the atmosphere of a true temple of military glory. The marble plaques bear the names of about 11,000 knights and awarded military units. The hall features:

• Six gilded bronze chandeliers
• Twisted columns crowned with sculptures by Ivan Vitali
• A unique parquet floor from 1845 made of twenty valuable wood species
• A copy of the monument to Minin and Pozharsky

Today, St. George’s Hall hosts government receptions and state award ceremonies.

St. Andrew’s Hall

The main throne hall of the palace is dedicated to the Order of St. Andrew the First-Called, established by Peter I in 1698. The hall impresses with its lavish decoration — vaults, columns, and pilasters are covered with gilded stucco, and the capitals are adorned with images of the double-headed eagle and the crucified St. Andrew. In the eastern part stands a throne ensemble of three seats, intended for Emperor Nicholas II, his wife, and the Dowager Empress. Above the thrones hangs an ermine canopy, and on the vault is depicted the All-Seeing Eye — a Christian symbol of the Holy Trinity.

St. Alexander’s Hall

This hall, named after the Order of St. Alexander Nevsky, is designed in the Byzantine-Russian style. Its impressive dimensions are 31 meters long, 21 meters wide, and 20 meters high. Under the dome are displayed the symbols of the order — the cross and the star with the monogram of the sainted prince. The walls are adorned with historical paintings by Fyodor Moller depicting the life of Alexander Nevsky. On the west side are scenes of his military exploits, and on the east — moments of peaceful life. The parquet, created in 1843 with a refined floral pattern, resembles a magnificent woven carpet.

St. Vladimir’s Hall

This unusual octagonal hall is dedicated to the Order of St. Vladimir, established in honor of the Kievan prince who Christianized Rus. The room is finished with pink marble and has a unique architectural form — a square with 16-meter sides and corner niches. The vaulted ceiling is styled as an ancient tent, illuminated by a circular skylight in the dome and a magnificent bronze chandelier. St. Vladimir’s Hall serves as an important connecting passage between the Faceted Chamber and the Terem Palace.

St. Catherine’s Hall

The hall dedicated to the Order of St. Catherine is executed in the Baroque style with abundant stucco decoration. It features pilasters on columns with malachite-patterned designs and six luxurious crystal candelabra, added here in 1856 during the coronation of Alexander II. Today, St. Catherine’s Hall is used by the President of Russia for official meetings and negotiations and is therefore closed to the public.

The Grand Vestibule and Staircase

Upon entering the palace through the main entrance, visitors find themselves in a grand vestibule supported by four columns of gray Karelian granite. The space is illuminated by four bronze floor lamps with glass shades, and the walls are clad in yellow Kolomna marble. The grand staircase leading to the second floor consists of 66 wide, low steps, specially designed to allow ladies in voluminous gowns to ascend comfortably. This design lent processions a particular sense of majesty.

The Private Quarters of the Imperial Family

The southern part of the palace was reserved for living quarters known as the “Private Half.” The enfilade consists of six main rooms, each uniquely decorated:

1. The Empress’s Bedroom — in blue and gold tones, exuding serenity and devotion
2. The Empress’s Boudoir — adorned with an exquisite malachite fireplace with gilded details
3. The Empress’s Study — decorated in the Boulle style with tortoiseshell and brass inlay, featuring fabric upholstery with gold thread
4. The Empress’s Drawing Room — a white and gold interior decorated with plaster bas-reliefs and a pineapple chandelier, symbolizing hospitality
5. The Dining Room — in the classical style with white and yellow marble, stucco ornaments, and antique sculptures
6. The Walnut Dressing Room — used for storing the imperial wardrobe

Historic Buildings within the Complex

The palace complex includes ancient structures of great historical value:

• The Faceted Chamber — the oldest secular building in Moscow, used for ceremonial receptions and state events
• The Terem Palace — a monument of 17th-century Russian architecture
• The Golden Tsarina’s Chamber — used for ceremonial receptions of tsarinas
• The Palace Churches — representing different eras
• The Armory Chamber — a museum-treasury housing unique artifacts

Interesting Facts about the Palace

The main façade measures exactly 125 meters, making the building one of the longest in the Kremlin. Initially, the palace served as the imperial residence, later hosting political meetings and party congresses. From 1994 to 1999, a large-scale restoration was carried out, restoring the historical halls to their original appearance. Konstantin Ton, the chief architect of the palace, was awarded the Order of St. Vladimir for his work. Nicholas I personally attended the consecration of the building, which took place on Easter in 1849, and generously rewarded all participants in the construction.

Visitor Information

Location and Contacts

Address: Moscow, Kremlin Embankment, 1 (Dvortsovaya, 1p)
Phone: +7 (495) 695-37-76, +7 (495) 620-78-46
Official websites: kremlinpalace.org, kreml.ru

Opening Hours

Ticket offices are open daily from 12:00 to 20:00. However, since the palace is a restricted-access site, the visiting schedule may change due to state events.

How to Get There

The easiest way to reach the palace is by metro. The nearest stations are:

• Biblioteka Imeni Lenina
• Arbatskaya
• Borovitskaya

From any of these stations, it’s just a few minutes’ walk to the Kremlin entrance.

Visiting Conditions

The Grand Kremlin Palace and the Faceted Chamber can be visited only as part of an organized guided tour booked in advance. Tour prices start at 5000 rubles, and the duration is about an hour and a half. Important notes for visitors:

• Tour dates and times may change due to official events
• It is recommended to bring as few personal items as possible
• Security screening includes several stages similar to airport checks
• Photography is allowed only in selected ceremonial halls
• St. Catherine’s Hall is closed to tourists

Modern Significance

Today, the Grand Kremlin Palace remains the main Moscow residence of the President of the Russian Federation. It hosts major state ceremonies, including the presidential inauguration in St. Andrew’s Hall, the awarding of state honors in St. George’s Hall, and official receptions and high-level negotiations. The palace is not only an active government facility but also an invaluable monument of Russian architecture and a symbol of the historical continuity of Russian statehood. Despite being nearly two hundred years old, its majestic halls and splendid interiors continue to inspire admiration and awe.