The first building of the museum which gave it its name. "Hermitage" means a place of seclusion, arefuge for hermits. In the 18th century this word was used to denote deserted palace pavilions used for intimate receptions and fetes of court society.
The second building of the museum and constructed by Yu.M.Felten. Later the interior was redecorated by G. Quarenghi. After the transfer of the collections to the New Hermitage, a 7th suite of spare guest-rooms was built in the vacant space.
Copy of the gallery painted by Raphael in the Palace of the Pope at the Vatican in Rome. Also here is the Hermitage Theatre erected by G.Quarenghi almost simultaneously with the building of the Old Hermitage and connected to it forming a single complex.
The building which completes the architectural ensemble called "The Hermitage". It was intended to be not just a palace, but an imperial public museum. The project, conceived by Leo Klenze, was brought to completion by V.Stasov and N.Yefimov.
History of the Hermitage is the history of its remarkable buildings, the construction of which attracted the world's most prominent architects to St.Petersburg in the 18th and 19th century.
The Hermitage is not separated from the Winter Palace, the main Palace of Russia for an entire century and a half. Different historical epoches, styles and personal tastes of the rulers are reflected in the architectural appearance of the Museum.
The place of honor amongst all the collections of the Hermitage is occupied by the collection of Western-European art, and especially the Picture Gallery. Exhibited there are outstanding works of art by literally all major, leading European artists.
