The personal chambers of Catherine II, lost during the Great Patriotic War, will open in Tsarskoye Selo. The Empress’s apartments in the Zubov Wing of the Catherine Palace will be accessible for the first time in 80 years. The restoration of the halls took five years and was preceded by meticulous study of surviving decorative fragments, as well as archival research of watercolors and photographs. Craftsmen recreated interiors designed by Charles Cameron and Giacomo Quarenghi in the style of “elegant simplicity,” featuring minimal gilding, luxurious fabrics, and carpets. Instead, decorations included blue, opal, and amethyst glass, silver, mirrors, and porcelain. The chambers will be open for visits starting December 25 (viewings will be organized by sessions).