NEWS FROM TSARSKOYE SELO

The main vestibule of the Catherine Palace has been reopened after restoration. The "Petrovsky Rooms", which adjoin the vestibule and formed part of the Tsar's stone palace in the early 18th century, have been reconstructed: they used to be known as "The Stone Chambers with 16 Front Rooms". There is a new permanent exhibition in six rooms of the Catherine Palace's main suite: "The Romanov Dynasty at Tsarskoye Selo". Splendid formal portraits, water-colours, personal belongings of the ruling family and objects of decorative applied art tell the story of this magnificent summer residence of the Russian tsars. The Cameron Gallery, now open again after restoration, features a display entitled "Alexander II and Tsarskoye Selo". This Emperor has gone down in history as the Tsar-Liberator and the Great Reformer, whose measures affected many aspects of Russian public life.