The fundamental principles of upbringing and education of heirs to the throne were established by Empress Catherine II, and were further developed by distinguished educators. The primary goal of education was to nurture the future monarchs’ beliefs about the world and to foster open-mindedness badly needed for conducting future reforms. In the Winter Palace, a suite of former private quarters of the grand dukes accommodates the Study Room (Room 172), where the future Russian tsars - Alexander I, Nicholas I and Alexander II - would spend long hours studying different subjects. Over many years they prepared themselves for the great mission of dedicating their lives to the service of the country.