The basis of the collection and the central exposition are located in the building known as Michael's Palace, one of the masterpieces of Russian architecture from the classical epoch. Michael's Palace is considered one of the most significant architectural sights of Saint Petersburg. This large and harmonious building is located on Arts Square in the very heart of the city. The Palace was built from 1819 to 1825 according to the design of leading architect Carlo Rossi. For many years it was the residence of Grand Duke Mikhail Pavlovich, the fourth son of Emperor Pavel I. In 1912-1916, in connection with the significant increase in the Museum's collection, an additional adjacent building was assigned to the Russian Museum - the so-called Benois Wing, from the designer-architect L. N. Benois.
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