The palace had both private living quarters and ceremonial halls, which occupied the first floor of the palace. The interiors of the Mikhailovsky Palace, also created by Carlo Rossi, have been preserved in fragments, so the ceremonial halls of the Yelagin Palace are the only ceremonial palace interiors that show the creative style of the great architect. You can feel the special planning of space created by Rossi, as well as the amazing harmony of the interior and park landscapes. The southern suite of front rooms is based on the principle of increasing ornamentality, the eastern suite is based on color and scale contrasts, and the entire northern suite is occupied by the Dining Hall, the most “sunnily” decorated one.

The artistic adornment of the interiors demonstrates a refined version of the Empire style, harmoniously combining elegant decoration and the landscapes of the surrounding park. The central hall of the palace – the Oval Hall – was intended for dancing. It has a domed ceiling painted with caissons. The hall is framed with semi-columns, which makes it look like an elegant park pavilion overlooking the eastern staircase of the palace, decorated with four Italian marble vases. The hall has excellent acoustics. Guests could take a break from dancing in the Blue or the Crimson Living Rooms, located on both sides of the Oval Hall. Foreign guests, crown princes and royals were invited to the palace for private audiences, as well as for ceremonial receptions with exquisite balls that included feasts in the Dining Room.

Every year on June 25 and July 1, the “Royal Days” of Emperor Nicholas I and Empress Alexandra Feodorovna were celebrated with a folk festival, which ended with magnificent fireworks in front of the palace. On February 3, 1885, electricity was installed in the Yelagin Palace and Park specifically for the ball. This innovation made a strong impression on the capital’s beau monde.

The history of the palace has been inspiring the revival of the ballroom dancing traditions of St. Petersburg for more than 25 years. Nowadays, balls are held in the palace for organized groups of children, adults, family companies and individual visitors. The variety of programs ranges from a school excursion to an anniversary celebration or a corporate party for colleagues. Costumed balls are held every weekend for individual visitors.

Up to 11,000 guests take part in the palace’s ballroom programs every year. Unique excursions give the guests an opportunity to plunge into the era of balls, puffy dresses and strict uniforms. The sounds of classical music, trappings and accessories, sophistication of the interiors create a unique atmosphere of the XIX century. The wardrobe department of the palace has over 550 sets of clothing. Classical ballroom dances – waltz, polka, mazurka – are adapted to any participant, regardless of their age and dancing skills; same as before, the dancing takes place in the bright and spacious Oval Hall.

Booking and information: +7 (812) 430-11-31.

Information on tickets and excursions.