The Great Kremlin Palace

The Great Kremlin Palace acts as the ceremonial residence of the President. Here, ceremonies are held for the President’s assumption of office, for presenting state awards, credentials, and receptions.

The Great Kremlin Palace is a unique example of Russian architecture of the mid-19th century. Elements of various styles, from baroque to classicism, were incorporated in the palace’s interiors, which are still almost intact today. Its distinctly luxurious and perfectly executed.

The palace was built at the order of Tsar Nicholas I by renowned Petersburg architect Konstantin Ton in 1838-1849. Eminent Moscow architects F.Rikhter, N.Chichagov and P.Gerasimov took part in building the palace. Renowned artists and sculptors were brought in to decorate the interiors: F.Solntsev, I.Vitali, P.Klodt and O.Loganovsky.

In the 19th century the main hall of the Great Kremlin palace was the Andrew (throne) Hall. In the mid 1990s, the Andrew Hall was restored to its original splendour. The hall is decorated by ten gilded pylons and gilded doors with crosses and chains of the Order of Andrew, which was founded by Tsar Peter the Great. The walls are upholstered in blue silk moire, the colour of the Andrew ribbon, and decorated with chains and symbols of the order. The coats of arms of the provinces and Oblasts of Russia hang above the windows. The hall is illuminated by ten bronze chandeliers and 35 lamp brackets. Two hearths of grey-purple jasper make a worthy adornment for the interior of the hall and of the entire palace. There are three throne seats upholstered in ermine by the east wall. On special occasions, important military officials gathered here. Today this is the place where the most ceremonial events of state importance are held.