Museum of Political History of Russia (Matilda Kshesinskaya's Mansion) | St.Petersburg, Russia

Within the home of the Mariinsky Theatre’s prima ballerina—a building that stands as a magnificent symbol of the Northern Art Nouveau style—the bohemian life of Imperial St. Petersburg flourished during the dawn of the Silver Age. This mansion became a gathering place for the capital’s high society, ballet stars, actors from the Alexandrinsky Theatre, and Grand Dukes of the Romanov dynasty. The lady of the house resided here for over a decade, right up until the February Revolution of 1917.

After the house was vacated, it was first looted and subsequently occupied by soldiers. Later, Bolshevik meetings were held here, and Lenin met with workers, soldiers, and peasants. Newspapers of the time referred to the building as the "headquarters of the Leninists." In April 1917, it was from the balcony of this very mansion that Lenin delivered his famous speech, in which the slogan "All Power to the Soviets!" was proclaimed for the first time.

Today, the historic interiors—particularly the grand reception halls dating back to the era of Kshesinskaya—have been meticulously restored to their original splendor. We invite you to join a pre-concert tour that explores the significance of this building within the cultural and political landscape of the last century.