Mariinsky Palace
A turquoise and white Baroque palace above the Dnipro in Kyiv, designed by Rastrelli and used for state occasions.
Updated 2 September 2026
Bartolomeo Rastrelli drew the design and Ivan Michurin built the palace between 1744 and 1752 for Empress Elizabeth, on the bluff above the Dnipro: a two-storey block in turquoise and white with a central portico and low wings, in the same idiom as his work in St Petersburg. Fire destroyed it in 1819 and it was rebuilt in the 1870s for Empress Maria, whose name it took. A long restoration finished in 2018. It is used for official ceremonies.
The main sights
- The Rastrelli front - turquoise and white Baroque with a central portico.
- The park - Mariinsky Park on the bluff beside the palace.
- The Dnipro view - the river and the left bank from the terrace side.
- The 2018 restoration - the exterior returned to its historic colouring.
When to go
April to October is the best for the park and the exterior. The palace is used for state functions and access varies. Chestnuts in the park flower in May.
Things to know
The interior is not open to casual visitors and opening days for the public are rare and announced at short notice. The area around is often closed for events. The visit is exterior and park.
Nearby
The Dnipro slopes run below, and Khreshchatyk is a short walk north.
What to pack for Mariinsky Palace
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Comfortable walking shoes - Sightseeing means kilometres of pavement and cobbles daily. Find on Amazon
- A slim anti-theft daypack - Zips that close properly; keep it in front in crowds and on transit. Find on Amazon
- A refillable water bottle - Many cities have public fountains; save money and plastic. Find on Amazon
- A light layer + compact umbrella - For museum air-con and a sudden shower. Find on Amazon
Some links on this page are Amazon affiliate links - if you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
All packing kitsPlan your trip
Where to start if Mariinsky Palace is going on the list.
Booking links on this page are affiliate links - if you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes what we write about a place.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
