"Palaty" is a cultural and educational complex that has brought together under one roof an art gallery, a children's museum center, and an exhibition devoted to the noble and landowners' estates of Vladimir. The grand building, which houses as many as 3 museums and several exhibition halls for temporary displays, formerly served as the building of the Government Offices of the provincial administration. The three-story building in the classical style was built in 1785 according to the design of architect Blank.
The first floor of the "Palaty" museum complex is occupied by the Children's Museum Center, opened in 1993. Here schoolchildren can learn what Vladimir was like 200-300 years ago, how peasants lived, what everyday life was like for children in the 19th century, and how people survived back in the Stone Age. In the Old Russian School hall, visitors can see how people studied before Peter I, while the neighboring hall presents the history of bookmaking. "The World of Bylina" introduces guests to bogatyrs and gusli players, while "Merry Fair" and "Toys of Friends" have become children's favorite exhibits – there are thousands of different ideas for fun here.
The art gallery on the second floor features masterpieces of Russian art – from 13th-century icon painting to Soviet artists. The collection of works from the 18th to 20th centuries includes прекрасные portraits by Levitsky, landscapes by Aivazovsky, and paintings by Shishkin and Vasnetsov.
Another extensive exhibition is devoted to the noble estates of Vladimir. It brings together works of art, luxurious clothing, Baroque-style furniture, exquisite tableware, and home decor from aristocratic estates. The reconstructed rooms make it possible to see how Russian nobles lived in the 18th–19th centuries.
