One of the world's most famous and esteemed museums, the Hermitage houses a vast collection of priceless artwork. It's also an architectural gem, as you will see upon visiting areas such as the Small Throne Room, the gilded-column Armorial Hall, and the sumptuous Malachite Room, which features more than two tons of ornamental stone. Walking through the ensemble of buildings, you will marvel at the seemingly endless exhibitions. There are displays of 15th- and 16th-century French art, as well as Impressionist works from Renoir, Degas, Monet, Van Gogh, and Cezanne. You might see Leonardo da Vinci's "The Little Madonna," "Abraham's Sacrifice" by Rembrandt, and a Scythian gold stag from the 2nd century B.C. You will also browse through the Small Hermitage, a wing known for its exquisite marble colonnade, crystal chandeliers, and gilded, 18th century Peacock Clock. In the wing known as the Old Hermitage, there is a splendid collection of Italian Renaissance art, and in the New Hermitage, the Dutch masters are represented. Upon leaving the museum, you will walk through the Palace Square, passing the red-granite Alexander Column, a monument that commemorates Russia's victory over Napoleon.
Please note: The halls of the Hermitage Museum may be closed due to restoration works or exhibitions; therefore, the order of the sites viewed or visited may change, and some of the collections may not be available to visitors. When possible, the local operator will try to arrange an early opening one-hour before the museum opens to the general public, but there is no guarantee that will be the case.