Russian President Vladimir Putin, accompanied by the heads of CIS member states, visited the Tsarskoye Selo Museum-Reserve. The former summer residence of the Russian emperors was decorated for the New Year and Christmas, featuring a decorated Christmas tree and an ice slide in front of the Catherine Palace. A theatrical performance on the square welcomed the guests.
Putin and other leaders enjoyed a costume show with participants dressed in attire from different historical eras, including street candy vendors, court ladies with cavaliers, and soldiers from the time of Peter the Great. A gypsy ensemble performed, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Following the outdoor festivities, Putin and his guests toured one of the most visited museums in the country, Tsarskoye Selo. The Catherine Palace, a central attraction, houses the famous Amber Room. After the museum tour, a lunch was scheduled in honor of the meeting participants.
The Tsarskoye Selo Museum-Reserve spans the Catherine and Alexander Parks, covering over 300 hectares and featuring the Catherine and Alexander Palaces along with more than 100 architectural structures. During the visit, Mikhail Shvydkoy, Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation for International Cultural Cooperation, and Olga Taratynova, Director of the Tsarskoye Selo Museum, guided the leaders through various halls of the Catherine Palace, including the Picture Hall, White State Dining Room, Portrait Hall, and the renowned Amber Room.
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Photo: Godot13/Creative Commons 4.0
Based on materials from TASS