Grand Spring Masquerade at Yusupov Palace
Spring Masquerade will be held for the third time in 2006.
Yusupov palace in St. Petersburg was the staging place of the assassination of the infamous Rasputin. In 1916 a group of men of high standing, including one of Grand Dukes Dmitri Pavlovich (a cousin of Nicolas II), led by the prominent prince Felix Yusupov, had conspired to kill a man who was to them a real threat to the future of the already war-torn Russian Empire. Grigory Rasputin, a peasant who had gained control over the tsar's family through his alleged supernatural powers, was murdered at the Yusupov Palace on the night of December 16-17, 1916, and his death was as mysterious as his life.
The Grand staircase of The Yusupov Palace is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and design. From the columns, sculptures, balusters, vases and walls, which are carved from white Carrara marble is truly a sight to see and experience.
The Moresque room walls are created from intricately fine detail works of mosaics. This Room was Prince Felix Yusupov favorite room. In his memoirs he wrote: "I loved the tender oriental luxury of this room. Here I used to dream about being on a magic carpet and traveling to many exotic places. This room has a very intoxicating aura that affects everybody's senses."
The private Yusupov Theater is known to be one the world's most impressive home theaters. This theater was designed to impress the Tsar of Russia and also all the kings and queens of Europe.
We invite you to spend with us the night in this Palace.
All 170 guests will be expected to arrive around 8pm to the Palace, where grooms and maids will help to get dressed for the ball. Masquerade costumes and masks are mandatory.
At 9p.m. the parade rooms with Maslennitsa "live pictures” open to welcome the guests, who can enjoy the Russian style drinks and snacks at the numerous bars. After refreshments, the guests will listen to a private concert at the Yusupov’s home theater, a small replica of La Scala.
Around midnight dancing will begin. The inexperienced will be encouraged by the tanz-meister: mazurkas, polonaise, gallop will be played, according to the tradition. Elegant Russian dinner from the restaurant “Podvorie” proceeds to the dance. Men can occupy themselves with billiard, roulette and hookahs afterwards.
In the middle of the night the celebration will move to the inner yard, where, while watching the fireworks "Vivat Grande Masquerade", you might still be able to treat yourself to barbequed piglets, sausages and what not Russian cheffs will offer.
The space is limited. Early booking recommended. We can organize a special visit for you if your visit doesnt coincide with the ball dates.
