Hermitage | WineMaps

The Hermitage is a museum of art and culture in Saint Petersburg, Russia. It is one of the largest and oldest museums in the world, founded in 1764 by Catherine the Great and open to the public since 1852. Its collections, of which only a small part is on permanent display, comprise over three million items, including the most extensive collection of paintings in the world.

The Hermitage is housed in a complex of six historic buildings along Palace Embankment, including the Winter Palace, a former residence of Russian emperors. Apart from them, the Menshikov Palace, Museum of Porcelain, Storage Facility at Staraya Derevnya, and the eastern wing of the General Staff Building are also part of the museum.

The Hermitage's collections include works from across the globe, with a particular emphasis on European art and culture. This includes masterpieces from artists including Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, Michelangelo, Rubens, and many others. The Hermitage also has an extensive collection of ancient art, archaeological findings, and decorative art. The architecture and interiors of the buildings themselves are also notable historical and cultural artifacts.

The museum also maintains a staff of scientists, researchers, and restorers who contribute to the conservation, study and interpretation of the collections. They organize numerous temporary exhibitions throughout the year and engage in international cooperation with many museums and cultural institutions.