Nevsky Prospekt, 17
1752-54  Architect  B.Rastrelli 
Now the Russian Museum branch
         
The Stroganov Palace is located at the crossing 
of Nevsky Prospekt and the Moika River 
embankment. Unlike the estate-type palaces 
popular in those times, the Stroganov Palace 
faces the Nevsky Prospekt with its main facade. 
On the ground floor there are auxiliary rooms 
and the vestibule in front of the main staircase. 
The exterior and the layout of the building are a 
brilliant example of the Russian Baroque style.In 
the late 18-th century the palace belonged to 
Count A.Stroganov, who was an outstanding 
patron of arts and the Academy of Arts Presi- 
dent. Stroganov supported his former serf, the 
talented architect A. Voronikhin, whose first work 
was to become the interior reconstruction of the 
Stroganov Palace in 1793. Due to the recon- 
struction a number of the first-floor interiors 
were redecorated in the classical style. Among 
them of special interest are the Corner and 
Arabesque Room, as well as the Mineral Study. 
The Stroganov Palace was frequented by famous 
contemporary writers, poets and composers, 
among them D.Fonvizin, G.Derzhavin, I.Krylov, N. 
Gnedich, D.Bortniansky and others. The palace 
housed one of the best art collection in Russia.