The Mikhailovsky Palace

The White Room

The architect developed every detail of the interior in strict accordance with the general principle of the White Room – symmetry and harmony. The wooden walls have two doors (one of which is fake) flanking a mantelpiece. The magnificent gilt fretwork forms a striking element in the interior decor. The recesses above the doors are adorned with figures of muses on gilded theatrical masks.

Sculpture is employed in the decor of the mantelpieces. The decor was sculpted by Stepan Pimenov. The model of the White Room (1/8 of the original size) was given as a present to the English King George IV.

The White Room used to be known as a musical salon. The hostess of the palace, Grand Duchess Elena Pavlovna, arranged poetical and musical soirées that attracted many remarkable Russian and European artists (Ferenc List, Hector Berlioz, Anton Rubinstein and many others). Musical classes organized in the palace in the mid-19th century furthered the foundation of the Russian Musical Society and the St Petersburg Conservatoire.