It was the dawn of the 20th century. The winds of political change began to move across Europe. Meanwhile, in the imperial Russian court of Tsar Nicholas II and Empress Alexandra, their life of royal privilege continued in the tradition of the Romanov family's 300-year reign.
Hundreds of priceless treasures, like the breathtaking grand piano -- a loving gift to Empress Alexandra from Tsar Nicholas II -- were simply accepted as their royal birthright. An extraordinary, hand-painted masterpiece, even by today's highest standards, yet just one of many gifts symbolizing their legendary love and lifestyle. As they reveled in the splendor and pageantry they believed would be passed on to their five beautiful children, destiny was about to bestow another historic, yet tragic, title upon them.
Discover "Nicholas & Alexandra: The Last Imperial Family of Tsarist Russia" from the world-renowned State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia.
For the first time ever, American audiences can view this glorious piano, along with 700 other fabulous objects of the art and history of Russia and the Romanov Dynasty. Behold the royal carriage that carried the Empress to Nicholas II's coronation. View one of the world's most beautiful collections of court costumes, gowns and uniforms. See Faberge's regal Coronation Egg from the world famous FORBES Magazine Collection in New York. And on display for the first and only time this century, behold the magnificent, 190-foot panoramic painting depicting the Royal Coronation that would prove to be the last in the 300-year reign of the Romanovs.
Equally exciting are the historic objects and personal effects from the State Archives of the Russian Federation, many never before on exhibition, including Nicholas II's 1917 abdication letter as well as love letters exchanged between the Tsar and Empress. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience firsthand the events and the priceless treasures of this pivotal moment in world history.