The last Russian emperor, Nicholas II, was born at Tsarskoe Selo, in the Alexander Palace. The great building with its refined interiors and collections had a distinct effect on him: the history of the palace was a part of the history of his family. On 14 November 1894 Nicholas married Princess Alix of Hesse (later Empress Alexandra Fiodorovna) and moved to the Alexander Palace – the favourite residence of the imperial family. “Words cannot express how delightful it is to live as a couple in such a fine place as Tsarskoe”, Nicholas wrote in his diary. He decided to have the left wing of the palace refurbished as private apartments. The Palisander Drawing-Room, Lilac Study, Dressing Room, Emperor’s Study and other rooms were designed by the court architect Robert (Roman) Melzer. The latest technical innovations were used, such as electric heaters, telephones, a hydraulic lift, movie and slide projectors, etc. The first garage for the Emperor’s automobiles was built nearby.