Situated in a beautiful neoclassical building, this was the first private-owned museum in Russia. The exhibition on "Leningrad during the Great Patriotic War" gives a moving impression of the heroic struggle of the people of St. Petersburg during the Siege. On display is the original copy of the harrowing siege diary of 11 year old Tanya Savicheva. There’s also a small exhibition dedicated to the history and owners of the palace. Refurbished for the 300th anniversary of the city, several rooms illustrate the building’s former glory complete with memorabilia from former owners. Other exhibitions deal with life and work in St. Petersburg during the 1930s, supported by tons of original pictures, clothes, magazines and other odds and ends.