Winter Palace Facts for Kids

The Winter Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia, is one of the biggest and most famous palaces in the world. From 1732 to 1917, it was the official home of the Russian Tsars, who were the emperors of Russia. This grand palace was built on the banks of the Neva River between 1754 and 1762.

In the 19th century, Tsar Nicholas I was responsible for how the palace looks today. He made many changes inside the palace. He also oversaw its complete rebuilding after a big fire in 1837.

The Winter Palace

On October 30, 1917, the palace became part of the famous Hermitage Museum. Today, the Winter Palace is a key part of one of the world's most visited museums. About 3.5 million people come to see it every year.

A Look Inside the Winter Palace

The Winter Palace is huge, with many grand rooms. Each room was designed for different purposes, from official ceremonies to private living spaces.

Grand Halls and Rooms

The palace has several impressive halls. These were used for important events and gatherings.

The Armorial Hall

The Armorial Hall is a very large room. It is decorated with many stucco designs that look like weapons and armor. This hall was often used for parades and official receptions.

The Field-Marshall's Hall

Another important room is the Field-Marshall's Hall. It was named after famous Russian military leaders. This hall also hosted many formal events.

St. George's Hall

St. George's Hall was the main throne room of the Tsars. It was added later for Empress Catherine II. This is where the Tsar would meet with important guests and hold grand ceremonies.

The Jordan Staircase

The main staircase of the palace is called the Jordan Staircase. It is famous for its beautiful rococo style. On the Feast of the Epiphany, the Tsar would walk down these stairs for a special ceremony.

The Nicholas Hall

The Nicholas Hall was a main reception room. It was located in the center of the Neva enfilade, which is a long series of rooms. This hall was often used for court balls and other large social events.

The Malachite Room

The Malachite Room is famous for its decoration using malachite, a green mineral. This room was used by the Provisional Government in 1917.

Private Apartments and Art

Besides the grand halls, the palace also had private apartments for the Imperial Family. It also housed an amazing art collection.

The Golden Drawing Room

The Golden Drawing Room is a beautiful space. It was likely used for more intimate gatherings or as a private sitting room.

The Throne Room of Empress Maria Fiodorovna

This room was a special throne room for Empress Maria Fiodorovna. It shows the luxurious style of the royal family's private spaces.

The Palace Library

The Winter Palace also had a large library. This shows the importance of learning and knowledge to the Tsars.

Famous Artworks

The Winter Palace became home to many famous artworks. For example, the Hermitage Museum acquired paintings by artists like Frans Hals and Rembrandt. These artworks were part of the Imperial Collection.

The Palace's Role in History

The Winter Palace played a big role in Russian history. It was not just a home but also a symbol of power.

The Fire of 1837

In 1837, a huge fire destroyed much of the Winter Palace. It took many years to rebuild it. Tsar Nicholas I made sure it was restored to its former glory.

The Last Imperial Ball

The last grand ball held at the Winter Palace was in 1903. Tsar Nicholas II and Empress Alexandra Feodorovna dressed in historical Russian costumes. This event was a final display of the old imperial traditions.

World War I and Revolution

During World War I, parts of the palace were even turned into a hospital ward. This shows how the palace adapted during difficult times. In 1917, the Winter Palace became a key location during the Russian Revolution. The Provisional Government met there before being overthrown.

The Palace Today

Today, the Winter Palace is a major part of the Hermitage Museum. It allows millions of visitors to step back in time. They can explore the history and art of the Russian Empire.

Images for kids

The first Winter Palace, designed in 1711 for Peter the Great.
The third Winter Palace from 1727, which included the second palace.
The principal or "Jordan Staircase," famous for its rococo style.
St. George's Hall, the main throne room of the Tsars.
Frans Hals' Portrait of a Young Man Holding a Glove, purchased in 1764.
Rembrandt's Portrait of a Scholar, purchased in 1769.
The Rotunda, a circular hall linking state and private rooms.
The Nicholas Hall, a principal reception room for court balls.
The Small Throne Room, created in 1833 with jasper columns.
Plan showing how the principal floor was used in the 1840s.
Fire in the Winter Palace by Boris Green.
The Armorial Hall, decorated with stucco panoplies.
The Winter Palace's Grand Church, with its original rococo decoration.
The Atlantes portico of Nicholas I's New Hermitage, Russia's first public art gallery.
Nicholas II and the Empress at the last Imperial ball in 1903.
St. George's Hall in 1906, with the Tsar opening the first Duma.
In 1914, the Tsar and Empress bless their troops from the balcony.
The Nicholas Hall transformed into a hospital ward in 1915.
Rastrelli's Neva facade, upon which Aurora trained her guns.
The Malachite Room, where the Provisional Government met.
Soviet ski troops by the New Hermitage during the Leningrad Siege in 1943.