The Hermitage (officially the State Hermitage Museum) is one of the most famous museums in the world. Spread over several buildings lining the Neva River in St. Petersburg, this museum is way too large to see in just a few hours. Most cruisers visit with a tour group on a half-day excursion and can see many of the art pieces and gaze at the beautiful decor.
The Hermitage was once the palace of Catherine the Great, who used it as a private place of retreat and solitude, or a Hermitage. Tours enter through the Winter Palace on the ground floor and walk up the magnificent Jordan Staircase to the first floor. The rooms on the first floor are breathtaking, with many of the rooms restored as they were during Imperial times. The second floor is not architecturally as dramatic as the first floor, but has many important French paintings. Be sure to glance through the windows on the second floor for a great view of the Palace Square and the Alexander Column.
- Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, RussiaHermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia
- Sign at the Entry of the Hermitage Museum in St. PetersburgSign at the Entry of the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg
- Main Staircase of the Winter PalaceMain Staircase of the Winter Palace, One of the Buildings at the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg
- Jordan Staircase in the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, RussiaJordan Staircase in the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia
- Jordan Staircase at the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, RussiaJordan Staircase at the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia
- Ceiling of the Jordan Staircase at the HermitageCeiling of the Jordan Staircase at the Hermitage
- Marble Jordan Staircase in the Winter Palace Building of the HermitageMarble Jordan Staircase in the Winter Palace Building of the Hermitage
- Imperial Carriage in the Hermitage in St. PetersburgImperial Carriage in the Hermitage in St. Petersburg
- Armorial Hall in the Hermitage in St. Petersburg, RussiaArmorial Hall in the Hermitage in St. Petersburg, Russia
- St. George Hall in the Hermitage Museum in St. PetersburgSt. George Hall or the Large Throne Room in the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia
- Peacock Clock in the Pavilion Hall of the Hermitage Museum in St. PetersburgPeacock Clock in the Pavilion Hall of the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia
- Carpeted Stairway in the Hermitage MuseumCarpeted Stairway in the Hermitage Museum
- Graphic Index
- Text Index
PrevNext