Paris, France
An imperial dream turned cultural icon
Imagine a private palace where Europe’s and Russia’s finest artworks were displayed in secrecy. This is how the Hermitage began in 1764, when Empress Catherine the Great acquired hundreds of paintings, creating an exclusive space for a privileged few. Little did she know that this sanctuary would grow into one of the world’s largest museums, now holding over three million pieces that showcase centuries of human creativity
A maze of palaces and histories
The Hermitage is not a single building; it spans six palatial structures, each with a rich history. At its heart is the grand Winter Palace, where tsars lived surrounded by gold, marble, and crystal decor. Moving through its halls, visitors discover the Raphael Loggias, inspired by the Vatican, and the fascinating Peacock Clock—a gilded 1781 automaton still delighting guests in the Pavilion Hall.
A unique panorama of Russian art and culture
The Hermitage’s Russian collection captures the essence of the nation’s creativity—from the profound spirituality of medieval Orthodox icons to the powerful Realism of 19th-century artists like Ilya Repin. Avant-garde works such as Kazimir Malevich’s Black Square reflect Russian innovation in the 20th century, forming one of the museum’s most celebrated sections.
Masterpieces across centuries and borders
A true atlas of art history, the Hermitage’s Italian gallery includes masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Titian, and Caravaggio. The Dutch collection rivals the world’s top museums, with works by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Van Dyck. French Impressionists, Russian icons, and Greek sculptures complete this mosaic of artistic richness.
A living cultural center, blending heritage and innovation
The Hermitage thrives as a cultural hub with research centers, international collaborations, and branches in Amsterdam and beyond. And a unique charm: cats have guarded the museum since the 18th century, originally to control mice—now beloved “guardians” of the Hermitage.
Why visit the hermitage ?
The Hermitage offers a journey through time, with rooms combining imperial grandeur and artistic treasures. It’s a chance to marvel at masterpieces and uncover stories from Russian and global history. The Hermitage is more than a museum—it’s a visual adventure and a sanctuary of beauty, inviting visitors to rediscover the past, one hall at a time.