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| Hermitage Museum |
Where is The Hermitage Museum located?
The Hermitage Museum — the beautiful city of Saint Petersburg, Russia. This is located along the Neva River, so it’s an enchanting place to visit.
The city itself is often dubbed the “Venice of the North” for its spectacular canals and architecture, and the Hermitage is one of its shiniest gems.
A Bit of History
The Hermitage Museum was founded in 1764, under Empress Catherine the Great. She began it with a handful of European paintings, but over the years it bloomed into a monolithic treasure trove.
The Hermitage's primary building is the Winter Palace, which is a vibrant and ornate structure that served as the residence of Russian royalty. Its walls have seen history from royal balls to revolutionary happenings.
What Will You See Inside?
It contains more than 3 million works of art and history. It’s like a magical time machine. Here are a few highlights from its many corners:
Works by such masters as Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt and Picasso.
Artifacts from ancient Egypt including mummies and hieroglyph-covered relics.
Pieces of gold that belong to the golden era, these ancient artifacts still hold their charm and exhibit remarkable handicraft.
Gorgeous statues from Greece and Rome telling stories of gods and heroes.
Palatial rooms where Russian emperors once resided, sport lavish furnishings and finery.
Every room in the Hermitage is a masterpiece, with glittering chandeliers, floors that would impress and ceilings that could be paintings in and of themselves. Going through it feel as if you are in a fairy tale!
10 Fascinating Facts About The Hermitage Museum
It’s one of the biggest museums in the world, and it’s spread out over six buildings.
Of these buildings, five are open to the public, the Winter Palace being the best known.
It would take more than 11 years to see everything if you spent only one minute looking at each item!
Just the Winter Palace has over 1,000 rooms.
It houses the Peacock Clock, a gilded mechanized marvel featuring actual peacock feathers.
The cats at the museum keep it free of mice, and have been for centuries.
Some of the museum’s floors are works of art, like the masterpieces on the walls.
The Hermitage began as a private collection that was visible only to special visitors.
The museum’s treasures were hidden during the World War II to prevent damage.
It is one of the most popular museums internationally, drawing millions of visitors each year.
Can You Take Pictures?
Yes, you may take your camera or smartphone to take photos around most exhibits. Realistically, though, flash photography is prohibited, as it can damage the delicate artwork. So, turn off your flash, and go out and get those magical moments!
The best time to visit is usually between:
Hermitage Museum: Nearly every day, except Mondays. Crowd avoidance is best achieved by visiting in the early morning.
In winter, the museum is less crowded, and the snowy Saint Petersburg makes your visit special. Insider tip: Visit during the week for a much quieter experience.
How to Get There
It’s easy to get to the Hermitage, given that Saint Petersburg has a great transportation system. Here are some options:
By bus: A number of buses stop near the museum, making it an easy option.
By metro: The nearest metro stop is Admiralteyskaya, a short distance from the museum.
By car or taxi: Parking lots are available in the area, or taking a taxi is a low-stress journey.
On foot: If you’re based near the city center, a walk along the Neva River to the Hermitage is a lovely way to start your trip.
Tips for Your Visit
Either wear comfortable shoes or get used to walking, because there’s a lot of it. The museum is massive, and you’ll want to cover as much ground as possible.
Bring snacks and water, but no eating inside the galleries.
Get a map at the entrance, so you can find your way around this sprawling museum.
If interested, take a guided tour that will tell you more riveting stories of the exhibits and the history of the Hermitage.
Use a guidebook before your trip to plan your itinerary, and book tickets for popular attractions online ahead of time to save time and avoid lines.
Why Visit The Hermitage?
It is not just a museum; it is a journey through centuries and various cultures. You will learn how people lived, created and dreamed hundreds and even thousands of years ago.
Every Step You Take Is WonderYou Step From The Grand Halls Of The Winter Palace To The Treasures Of Ancient Civilizations
Whether you’re an art lover, a history buff or simply a curious type, the Hermitage has a little something special for everyone. A place you will never forget, its magical ambience and amazing tales, eye-popping sights.
So, what are you waiting for? Chase you plans to the Hermitage Museum, and prepare to discover the treasures of one of the greatest cultural treasures worldwide!
