The Hermitage is one of the most famous museums in the world and has one of the largest collections of fine art anywhere. It/s buildings consist of the Winter Palace, the Small Hermitage, the Large Hermitage, the New Hermitage and Hermitage Theatre. Now the General Staff Headquarters will added and be made available to house many collections that are presently in storage.

The Winter Palace was designed by Bartolomeo Rastrelli who came to Russia at Peter the Great/s request and was later commissioned as Chief Court Architect. The Winter Palace was incorported into the Hermitage between 1918 and 1939.

Catherine the Great added the Small Hermitage, the Large Hermitage as well as Quarenghi/s theatre to accommodate her huge collection of art and great interest in the dramatic arts. She was an avid collector and acquired more than 2500 paintings, 10,000 carved gems (cameos), 10,000 drawings besides silver and porcelain sets. She used these items to decorate her many palaces. No other Romanov ever matched her purchases even though the Imperial Family were great collectors of art and contributed to the wonderful collections we see today.

I have been to the Hermitage many times and each time I try to visit the new exhibitions and a different collection. It/s then that I realise how little of the collections I have really seen.

The Hermitage is a beautiful gallery & museum. The State Rooms of the Winter Palace as well as the Private Apartments is an added bonus. The Hermitage is a must-see for all visitors to St Petersburg.

A few photos to whet your appetite! Please note that all my photos are in 256 x 256 pixel format. Should anyone want a larger size, please contact me.

Enjoy!