Mariinsky Palace stands on the south side of St Isaac’s Square, across the Blue Bridge from St Isaac’s Cathedral. Andrei Stackenschneider designed the neoclassical palace, built from 1839 to 1844 as a wedding gift for Emperor Nicholas I’s daughter, Mary. It now houses the city’s Legislative Assembly, so it is not a museum with general public access. Take in its exterior from the square or look for it on a boat tour. Interior visits require advance booking.
A palace built for Mary
Mariinsky Palace was built between 1839 and 1844 to a design by court architect Andrei Stackenschneider. Emperor Nicholas I commissioned it as a wedding gift for his daughter Mary, after whom the palace is named. It is also known as Marie Palace.
The palace replaced the Chernyshev Palace, which had stood on the site. That earlier building was designed by Jean-Baptiste Vallin and built between 1762 and 1768. From 1825 to 1839, it housed the Nikolaevskaya Cavalry School, where Mikhail Lermontov studied for two years. Some materials from the demolished palace were reused in the construction of Mariinsky Palace.
Its place on St Isaac’s Square
The palace occupies the south side of St Isaac’s Square, facing St Isaac’s Cathedral across the Blue Bridge. The bridge is known for its width, and the square also gives you a view of the statue of Emperor Nicholas I. The palace’s neoclassical exterior is the main sight for visitors who have not arranged access inside.
Mariinsky Palace now houses the city’s Legislative Assembly. It is not a museum open for general visits. Interior access requires advance booking, so make arrangements before planning your visit around seeing the rooms.
Seeing the palace from the water
Boat tours provide another way to view the palace, with changing angles along the route. If you are walking, approach from St Isaac’s Square to see its position opposite the cathedral and across the Blue Bridge. The nearby square and cathedral make it easy to include the palace in a short central St Petersburg walk.
FAQ
Can you go inside Mariinsky Palace?
Interior visits require advance booking. The palace houses the city’s Legislative Assembly and is not a museum with general public access.
Where is Mariinsky Palace?
It stands on the south side of St Isaac’s Square in St Petersburg, across the Blue Bridge from St Isaac’s Cathedral.
When was Mariinsky Palace built?
It was built between 1839 and 1844, to a design by court architect Andrei Stackenschneider.
How can you see Mariinsky Palace without going inside?
You can view its exterior from St Isaac’s Square or see it from different angles on a boat tour.
