Nowadays, all couples in the Belarusian city of Pinsk are looking forward to the day when they can be within its walls. This was also the dream of the last Polish King, Stanislaw II August Poniatowski when he laid its foundation stone. However, not all residents and tourists are obliged to tie the knot to see and appreciate the beauty and grandeur of the modern wedding palace and the former palace of the famous politician, city judge, respectable citizen, and descendant of the old gentry family of Butrim, Mateus Butrimovich. One of the most beautiful buildings in the country is also a branch of the Museum of the Belarusian Polesie, which is open to the public.
The main attraction of Pinsk was built in 1794 by the famous architect of the 18th century, Karol Schildhaus. After 10 years of construction, the building became a magnificent example of palatial and manor architecture, combining features of late Baroque and early classicism.
The first stone structure in the city had three buildings forming a front yard. The side premises housed the living and working rooms, while the central one had ceremonial rooms, including the famous Oval Hall with a balcony. The palace facade was richly decorated with Doric columns and half-columns. There were also five small staircases leading to the river. Although the building was erected directly above spouting springs, this did not affect its integrity in any way, thanks to the impeccably designed drainage system. The interior was designed in the Baroque style, but some of the rooms also contained classical elements.
After the representatives of the Butrimovich family had left the palace, it was owned by other famous citizens. In the 19th century, it became home to recognized artist and composer Napoleon Orda, who returned from emigration. His great-niece, Constance Skirmunt, was the last owner of the palace.
Since 1944, the palace had housed a printing house, the House of Pioneers, and even a cinema. But after the reconstruction in 2009, it has become the wedding palace and the branch of the Museum of the Belarusian Polesie.