This year Tsarskoe Selo Museum, a palatial and park architectural jewel, celebrates its 300^th anniversary. To mark the tercentenary the museum introduces new exhibitions and interactive tours. New sights will be open after the reconstruction, among which are the Cathedral of St. Catherine in Catherine’s Palace, Hermitage pavilion, and three central state rooms at the Alexander Palace, the favorite residence of the last Imperial family. The palace has finally ceased to belong to the Ministry of Defense and has been taken over by the museum. In summer 2010 the Semi-circular Room, the Portrait Room and the Marble Room of the palace will be open to the public. However, it will take about 8 years to restore the entire palace, the museum says.

We will keep you updated on the events that will be held in Tsarskoe Selo throughout the anniversary year.