Palace of Prince Romanov
The Palace of Prince Romanov is located in the very center of Tashkent, not far from the main sights of the city — Amir Temur Square, Broadway, and Mustaqillik Square. The building is surrounded by a fence, and it is impossible to get inside now, but tourists are constantly walking around during the season — they are probably attracted by the unusual history of the former residence and its owner.
History of the residence
Grand Duke Nikolai Konstantinovich was the son of Grand Duke Konstantin Nikolaevich and the grandson of Emperor Nicholas I. The owner of the Tashkent residence arrived in the city after an unprecedented family scandal. In April 1874, diamonds went missing from a family icon kept in the Marble Palace of St. Petersburg. The jewels were subsequently found, but the investigation showed that Grand Duke Nikolai Konstantinovich might have been involved in the theft.
The Duke was declared insane and exiled from the capital. Over the following years, he changed several places of residence until he ended up in Tashkent. Nikolai Konstantinovich engaged in charity, helped students, and contributed to the development of the city. During his time, the first cinema appeared in Tashkent.
The Tashkent Palace of Prince Romanov was built in 1889–1890. The architects were W. S. Heinzelmann and A. L. Benois. The complex included a garden and a library. And also, the very first fountain in the city is located on the territory of the residence.
Current state
In the 20th century, the palace housed the Museum of Arts of the Uzbek SSR, the Republican Palace of Pioneers, the Museum of Antiquities and Jewelry Art of Uzbekistan, and the Reception House of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Now the building is closed to visitors. In 2021, it was reported that it would be reconstructed and opened as a museum.
Next to the palace are the Fine Arts Gallery of Uzbekistan and the Museum of History of the Country.
