The Nikolaevsky Palace was constructed in 1853-1861 by famous architect Andrey Stakenshneider for Emperor Nikolay I's son Grand Duke Nikolay. The classic-styled residence was set in Annunciation Square (the Square of Labour nowadays) in the prestigious and costly district of Saint Petersburg, not far from the Admiralty and Palace Square. After the Grand Duke's death in 1891 the Palace was given over to the Women' Institute named after Grand Duchess Xenia, sister of Nikolay II. The Revolution of 1917 made the Palace the property of common people and their representatives - local trade unions. In accordance with the communistic traditions it was renamed the Palace of Labour.