Moika Palace

The Moika Palace, often known as the Yusupov Palace, is an 18th-century riverside palace on the Moika River in central St. Petersburg, Russia. It is notable for its richly decorated private apartments, a small palace theatre and its association with the murder of Grigori Rasputin in 1916.

Visitors typically tour the restored reception rooms, family apartments and the palace theatre; a focused exhibition presents the events surrounding Rasputin’s death and the spaces where it occurred. The interior displays period decoration, frescoes and a collection of family furnishings.

The building dates to the 18th century and was extensively remodelled and decorated by the Yusupov family in the 19th century. After the 1917 revolution the palace was nationalized and in the 20th century it was converted into a museum open to the public.

The palace stands on the Moika River embankment in central St. Petersburg, within easy walking distance of Nevsky Prospekt and other major city attractions.

• Rasputin connection: The palace is most famous as the site of Grigori Rasputin's assassination in December 1916, a key event often included on guided tours.
• Tours and access: Guided tours commonly include the private apartments, the small palace theatre and the basement spaces associated with the 1916 events; advance booking is recommended at peak season.

What to See #

• Yusupov private apartments: The former private apartments of the Yusupov family contain period furniture, ornate salons and a series of reception rooms preserved to illustrate aristocratic domestic life in the 19th century.
• Palace theatre: The palace theatre is an intimate, restored 19th-century performance space used for guided tours and occasional concerts, retaining original decoration and stage features.
• Rasputin exhibition: A dedicated exhibition space presents the story of Grigori Rasputin's assassination in 1916, including the basement and rooms associated with the event.