Situated between the Field of Mars and Palace Quay in Saint Petersburg, Russia, the Marble Palace is one of the city's earliest Neoclassical palaces. Commissioned by Empress Catherine the Great as a gift for Count Grigory Orlov, it took 17 years to construct under the direction of architect Antonio Rinaldi. When you visit, you will witness an extraordinary display of architecture that derives its name from its lavish polychrome marble decoration.
A remarkable 32 disparate shades of marble adorn the edifice, ranging from pink Karelian marble pilasters to white Urals marble capitals and rough-grained Finnish granite on the ground floor. The trapezoidal structure features four strictly symmetrical facades, each boasting a distinct design. Inside, stunning interiors were crafted by master artists like Fedot Shubin and Mikhail Kozlovsky.
Although 19th-century redecorations altered much of the interior, the magnificent main staircase and the Marble Hall survived intact. Over time, the palace housed Polish royalty, Romanov grand dukes, and even the local Central Lenin Museum during the Soviet period. Today, as a branch of the Russian State Museum, it offers you a chance to admire classic imperial heritage and explore its permanent art exhibitions.
What to see at Marble Palace
- Marvel at the exterior featuring 32 distinct shades of marble, granite, and dolomite
- See the surviving original main staircase and impressive Marble Hall
- View the equestrian statue of Tsar Alexander III by sculptor Paolo Troubetzkoy in the courtyard
- Discover one of Saint Petersburg's earliest Neoclassical palace designs by Antonio Rinaldi
- Explore permanent art exhibitions hosted by the Russian State Museum
Visiting tips
Be sure to walk into the recessed courtyard to view Paolo Troubetzkoy's famous equestrian statue of Alexander III.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Marble Palace is easy to reach on Saint Petersburg’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Hermitage Museum and Winter Palace. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Saint Petersburg travel guide.
See the full Saint Petersburg travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.