The Yusupov Palace on the Moika River is one of Saint Petersburg's best-preserved aristocratic homes — and the place where the mystic Grigori Rasputin was murdered in December 1916. Once owned by the Yusupovs, among the wealthiest families of Imperial Russia, it pairs gilded state rooms and a private rococo theatre with a basement exhibition that recreates one of the most notorious nights in Russian history.
What is the Yusupov Palace and why visit it?
The Yusupov Palace (Moika Embankment 94) is a former noble residence, now a museum, famous for two things: some of the most intact 19th-century interiors in the city, and the assassination of Rasputin in its cellar. A single central building gives you fine art, ballrooms, a jewel-box private theatre and a genuine piece of history.
The Yusupovs furnished the palace over generations, and because it survived the Soviet era as a museum and "house of culture", the enfilade of reception rooms, the picture gallery and the ornate home theatre remain remarkably complete. For many visitors it is the closest you can get to how St. Petersburg's nobility actually lived.
Want a guided visit or skip-the-line tickets? Book a Yusupov Palace tour or entry and pair it with the Rasputin exhibition.
How much do Yusupov Palace tickets cost in 2026?
The main palace-interior ticket (usually with an audio guide) is the standard entry. The Rasputin exhibition is sold separately, normally as a timed guided tour at a higher price. Prices change each season, so treat the figures below as approximate and confirm current rates on the official museum website (yusupov-palace.ru) before you go.
| Ticket | What it covers | Approx. 2026 (verify) |
|---|---|---|
| Palace interiors + audio guide | State rooms, ballrooms, picture gallery, home theatre | ~700–900 ₽ adult |
| Rasputin exhibition (guided) | The cellar rooms where Rasputin was killed, with a guide | ~1,000–1,500 ₽, separate ticket |
| Combined / themed tours | Interiors plus a themed route (Rasputin, the theatre, etc.) | Varies — book ahead online |
Paying in Saint Petersburg matters: foreign Visa and Mastercard no longer work in Russia, so bring roubles in cash or use a Mir/UnionPay card at the box office. See our guide on how to pay in Saint Petersburg in 2026.
The Rasputin exhibition: where history was made
On the night of 16–17 December 1916 (Old Style), a group of conspirators led by Prince Felix Yusupov lured Grigori Rasputin — the controversial peasant healer close to the imperial family — to the palace and killed him in the basement. The museum's exhibition recreates the rooms with period furnishings and wax figures of Yusupov and Rasputin, telling the story step by step.
The Rasputin route is usually a separate, time-slotted guided visit, so it can sell out — book it together with your palace ticket if you want to see both in one trip.
How do you get to the Yusupov Palace?
The palace sits centrally on the Moika Embankment, a short walk from several metro stations. The closest are Sadovaya, Spasskaya and Sennaya Ploshchad (one interchange hub), about a 10-minute walk away; you can also walk from Nevsky Prospekt along the Moika. For fares, lines and tips, see our Saint Petersburg metro guide.
Tips for a smooth visit
- Book online in advance — the Rasputin tour in particular runs on timed slots and fills up.
- English audio guides are available for the interiors; the Rasputin exhibition is usually guide-led.
- Allow about 1.5–2 hours for the interiors, plus extra time if you add the Rasputin route.
- Combine it with nearby sights — St. Isaac's Cathedral and the Mariinsky Theatre are within walking distance.
- Keep your passport handy; some ticket categories and discounts require ID.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Yusupov Palace worth visiting?
Yes — it is one of the few places in Saint Petersburg where you can see authentic, fully-furnished aristocratic interiors, and it is the actual site of Rasputin's murder. If you enjoy history, architecture or the late-imperial period, it is among the city's most rewarding museums.
Do I need to book Yusupov Palace tickets in advance?
For the main interiors you can often buy on the day, but the Rasputin exhibition runs as timed guided tours and regularly sells out, so booking ahead on the official website is strongly recommended, especially in summer and on weekends.
Can I see the Rasputin rooms without a guided tour?
Usually not — the basement Rasputin exhibition is normally accessed only on a guided or audio-guided route with timed entry, separate from the standard interiors ticket. Check the current options when you book.
