The State Hermitage Museum, located in the heart of St. Petersburg, Russia, stands as a cultural beacon, drawing millions of visitors annually. Renowned as one of the world’s largest and most prestigious museums, the Hermitage in St Pete is an essential destination for anyone exploring this majestic city for the first time. Its vast collection, boasting over three million items, ensures that every visit, whether your first or tenth, offers new discoveries, from the celebrated strokes of Impressionist masters to the enigmatic allure of Oriental treasures. To truly appreciate the sheer scale of the Hermitage, consider that spending just one minute with each exhibit would require an astonishing eleven years. For those seeking to make the most of their time, guided tours are a popular choice, providing curated insights into the collection’s highlights. However, for the independent art lover, the museum offers a rewarding journey of personal exploration, allowing you to seek out and savor the artworks that resonate most deeply.
The primary home of the Hermitage’s extensive collection is the Winter Palace, a former residence of the Romanov Tsars, along with several annex buildings. However, the Hermitage experience extends beyond these walls, encompassing various sites across St. Petersburg, including the recently inaugurated Storage Facility. This innovative facility, located in the north of the city, offers guided tours that unveil the museum’s immense reserves, providing a unique glimpse behind the scenes. Our guide to visiting the Hermitage St Pete aims to navigate you through this sprawling cultural landscape. We offer a detailed exploration of the main complex and provide insights into each of the Hermitage’s affiliated museums, ensuring you’re well-prepared to discover the treasures within.
| Practical Information for Your Hermitage Visit | Details |
|---|---|
| Address: | 2, Dvortsovaya Ploschad (Palace Square), St. Petersburg |
| Nearest Metro: | Admiralteyskaya Station |
| Opening Hours: | Daily 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM (Last entry 5:30 PM). Wednesdays and Fridays until 9:00 PM (Last entry 8:30 PM). |
| Closed: | Mondays |
| Contact: | +7 (812) 571-3420; +7 (812) 710-9079 |
| Official Website: | http://www.hermitagemuseum.org/ |
| Admission Tickets: | 600 RUB – Main Museum Complex and branches; 300 RUB – Single branch entry |
| Free Entry: | Preschool children, school children, students, and all visitors on the first Thursday of each month. |
| Online Ticket Purchase: | https://www.hermitageshop.org/tickets/ (Recommended to avoid ticket office queues) |
| Visitor Information: | http://www.hermitagemuseum.org/wps/portal/hermitage/visitus/ |
| Photography & Videography: | Flash photography is prohibited. Audio guides are available for rent (deposit required). |
| Accessibility: | Wheelchair accessible with ramps and lifts. Free wheelchair rentals available (advance booking recommended). |
Exploring the Winter Palace and Main Museum Complex
The Winter Palace, the centerpiece of the Hermitage Museum, is an undeniable highlight for visitors, attracting approximately 2.5 million people each year. This complex houses the core of the Hermitage collection, most notably its world-renowned Western European Art collection. Here, you can immerse yourself in masterpieces spanning centuries, from Renaissance paintings to Baroque sculptures, and beyond. The sheer grandeur of the Winter Palace itself, with its opulent state rooms, adds to the experience, making it a journey through both art history and Russian imperial history.
Discovering Hermitage Branches: Extending Your Cultural Journey
The Hermitage’s reach extends beyond the Winter Palace, encompassing a network of fascinating branches, each offering a unique focus and enriching your understanding of art, history, and culture.
General Staff Building: Impressionist and Post-Impressionist Masters
Located directly across Palace Square from the Winter Palace, the General Staff Building is an architectural marvel in itself, shaped in a magnificent crescent. It serves as the dedicated home for the Hermitage’s exceptional collection of 19th and 20th-century European art. Here, you can stand before iconic works by Impressionist and Post-Impressionist giants such as Van Gogh, Matisse, Gauguin, and Monet, among others. This building provides a stunning setting to appreciate the evolution of modern art.
Winter Palace of Peter the Great: A Glimpse into the Tsar’s Era
For a historical detour, visit the Winter Palace of Peter I. Once thought lost to time, archaeological discoveries in the 1980s unearthed remnants of Peter the Great’s original Winter Palace beneath the Hermitage Theatre. These restored rooms offer a fascinating glimpse into the life and times of this pivotal Russian ruler, showcasing artifacts and interiors from the early 18th century.
Hermitage Theatre: History and Performance
The Hermitage Theatre, one of Russia’s oldest theatrical venues, dates back to the reign of Catherine the Great. This elegant and historically significant space continues to host lectures, seminars, classical music concerts, and ballet performances. Attending a performance here provides a unique opportunity to experience culture within the walls of the Hermitage itself.
Menshikov Palace: 18th-Century Grandeur
Step back in time at the Menshikov Palace, one of St. Petersburg’s oldest buildings. Originally built for Alexander Menshikov, Peter the Great’s closest advisor, this charming mansion has been meticulously restored to its former glory. Drawing upon the Hermitage’s extensive collection of 18th-century decorative arts, the palace interiors are richly furnished, offering a vivid portrayal of aristocratic life in early St. Petersburg.
Museum of Porcelain: Tracing Russian Craftsmanship
Delve into the artistry of Russian ceramics at the Museum of Porcelain. Affiliated with the world-famous Imperial Porcelain Factory, this museum, now part of the Hermitage, chronicles the history of porcelain and glassware production in Russia, from Imperial times through the Soviet era to the present day.
Storage Facility at Staraya Derevnya: Unveiling Hidden Collections
Venture to the Storage Facility at Staraya Derevnya for an unprecedented museum experience. This innovative facility provides public access to the Hermitage’s vast collection that is not currently on display. Utilizing ‘open storage’ techniques, it allows visitors to explore a wider range of artifacts and artworks, offering a deeper appreciation for the museum’s encyclopedic holdings.
Permanent Exhibitions at the Konstantinovsky Palace: Presidential Palace and Imperial History
Finally, consider a visit to the Permanent Exhibitions at the Konstantinovsky Palace. This suburban palace, a project championed by President Putin and often referred to as the Russian Camp David, also serves as an exhibition space for the Hermitage. Here, you can explore displays focused on heraldry, awards, and decorations, adding another layer to your understanding of Russian history and culture.
Plan Your Visit to the Hermitage St Pete
Visiting the Hermitage St Pete is an unforgettable experience. With careful planning and an appreciation for its vastness, you can tailor your visit to explore the art and historical periods that captivate you most. Whether you choose to focus on the masterpieces of the Winter Palace, delve into the Impressionist treasures of the General Staff Building, or explore the unique offerings of the Hermitage’s branches, your journey through this cultural landmark will undoubtedly be rewarding and enriching.
