Three million exhibits, five buildings, 24 kilometers of displays — to view each item for one minute would take 11 years. The Hermitage is one of the world's largest museums.

History

Founded in 1764 — Catherine II purchased Berlin merchant Gotzkowsky's collection. Subsequent emperors continued collecting. Nicholas I opened the museum to the public in 1852.

Buildings

Winter Palace — former imperial residence. State halls, Western European art.

New Hermitage — Knight Hall, antiquities, portico with atlantes.

General Staff Building — Impressionists: Matisse, Picasso, Monet.

What to See

Leonardo da Vinci,...