Events on February 5 in history

The New Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia, one of the largest and oldest museums in the world, opens to the public.

The State Hermitage Museum, known in Russian as Государственный Эрмитаж (Gosudárstvennyj Ermitáž), stands as a preeminent museum of art and culture situated in the historic heart of Saint Petersburg, Russia. Renowned globally, it holds the distinction of being the largest art museum in the world by extensive gallery space, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in an unparalleled journey through human creativity and history.

Origins and Evolution of a Global Treasure

The Hermitage's illustrious history commenced in 1764, founded by Empress Catherine the Great. Her vision for an imperial art collection began with the acquisition of an impressive initial collection of 225 paintings, predominantly Dutch and Flemish masters, from the Berlin merchant Johann Ernst Gotzkowsky. This pivotal acquisition marked the birth of what would become one of the world's most comprehensive cultural institutions. Each year, the museum commemorates this significant founding date on December 7th, a day that also aligns with Saint Catherine's Day, paying homage to its royal patron.

Initially a private imperial collection accessible only to the elite, the Hermitage eventually opened its doors to the general public in 1852 under Emperor Nicholas I, transforming into a public museum dedicated to enriching the lives of all. This transition marked a crucial step in the democratization of art and culture in Russia.

Visitor Experience and Global Standing

The Hermitage remains a major global attraction, drawing millions of visitors annually. In 2020, amidst the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the museum welcomed 968,604 visitors. This figure represented an eighty percent decrease from its 2019 attendance of approximately 4.95 million visitors, reflecting the widespread impact on international tourism and cultural institutions. Despite the downturn, the museum still ranked eleventh among the most visited art museums worldwide in 2020, underscoring its enduring appeal and significance.

Vast Collections and Architectural Grandeur

The Hermitage's collections are extraordinarily vast, comprising over three million items. While only a fraction of this immense treasure trove is on permanent display at any given time, the breadth of its holdings is staggering. Approximately one-third of the collection is dedicated to its impressive numismatic collection, featuring coins, medals, and orders spanning millennia. Other notable collections encompass:

• Western European Art: Featuring masterpieces from Italian Renaissance artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael, Spanish masters such as El Greco and Goya, and an extensive collection of Dutch and Flemish art, including works by Rembrandt and Rubens.
• Oriental Art: Showcasing artifacts from ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Central Asia, and the Near East, alongside significant collections of Chinese and Indian art.
• Ancient World Artifacts: Including pieces from ancient Greece, Rome, and archaeological finds from various historical civilizations.
• Russian Culture and Art: Documenting the rich history of Russian art, imperial life, and decorative arts through paintings, sculptures, and applied arts.
• Prehistoric Art: Featuring artifacts from the Stone Age to the Bronze Age.
• Decorative Applied Arts: Encompassing furniture, porcelain, jewelry, and costumes.

These magnificent collections are housed within a grand complex of six historic buildings, majestically arrayed along the Palace Embankment. The centerpiece is the iconic Winter Palace, a resplendent example of Russian Baroque architecture that once served as the principal official residence of the Russian emperors from 1732 to 1917. Beyond the main complex, the museum's extensive footprint also includes:

• The early 18th-century Menshikov Palace, providing insight into the Petrine era.
• The Museum of Porcelain, dedicated to the exquisite art of ceramic production.
• The state-of-the-art Storage Facility at Staraya Derevnya, which not only houses vast reserves but also offers guided tours providing a rare glimpse behind the scenes of collection preservation and restoration.
• The eastern wing of the General Staff Building, which notably houses the museum's impressive collections of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and early 20th-century art, including works by Monet, Renoir, Cézanne, Van Gogh, Matisse, and Picasso.

Further extending its reach, the Hermitage maintains several exhibition centers and collaborative projects abroad, such as the Hermitage-Amsterdam, facilitating cultural exchange and making its collections accessible to a global audience.

Operational Structure and Leadership

As a federal state property, the Hermitage operates under the direct purview of the Russian government, ensuring its preservation and public access. Since July 1992, the museum has been expertly led by Director Mikhail Piotrovsky, whose long tenure has been marked by significant contributions to the museum's modernization, international outreach, and scholarly endeavors.

Navigating the Museum: Access and Information

Of the six primary buildings within the main museum complex, five are readily accessible to the public, offering a comprehensive visitor experience. These include the architectural marvels of the Winter Palace, the intimate Small Hermitage (which once housed Catherine's private collection and features its famous Hanging Garden), the distinguished Old Hermitage (also known as Great Hermitage), the architecturally significant New Hermitage (the first purpose-built museum building in Russia, famed for its Atlantes portico), and the historic Hermitage Theatre.

Practical information for visitors:

What are the ticket prices for the State Hermitage Museum?

Entrance tickets for foreign tourists typically cost more than the subsidized fee paid by citizens of Russia and Belarus. It is advisable to check the official website for the most current pricing.

Are there any days with free admission to the Hermitage?

Yes, entrance is free of charge for all visitors on the third Thursday of every month. Additionally, students (with valid ID) and children benefit from free daily admission, making the museum accessible to a wider audience.

When is the Hermitage Museum closed?

The museum is generally closed on Mondays for maintenance and conservation work.

Where is the main entrance for individual visitors?

The primary entrance for individual visitors is conveniently located within the magnificent Winter Palace, accessible directly from the grand Palace Square (Courtyard), offering a majestic start to your visit.