Hermitage Museum, A treasure trove of world art and history
Государственный Эрмитаж
Palace Square, House 2
4.8
Introduction
The Hermitage Museum is located in the Winter Palace, which was the palace of the Russian Tsars and is one of the largest museums in the world, housing over 3 million treasures. Since its construction in 1754, the Winter Palace has undergone multiple renovations and expansions, with the collection growing richer starting from Catherine II. The museum's collection includes artworks such as paintings, drawings, and sculptures from various countries in Europe, representing a condensed history of Western art. Although there are numerous exhibits, there are four must-see treasures in the museum: the mummy (Room 100), the Peacock Clock (Room 204), Leonardo da Vinci's Madonna and Child painting (Room 214), and Rembrandt's "Return of the Prodigal Son" (Room 254).
The museum is vast, with numerous interconnected rooms, and a thorough visit may require 2-3 days. For time-constrained travelers, it is recommended to spend at least 2-3 hours exploring. Visitors can request a Chinese map at the service center and store their coats and backpacks at the cloakroom, as these items are not allowed inside the exhibition halls. After passing through the security entrance, there is a voice guide machine about 10 meters to the left, providing audio guides in Chinese for a fee of 450 rubles, along with a valid ID or 2000 rubles as a deposit. The exit is adjacent to the entrance, so the guide machine can be returned before leaving. The museum provides free wheelchairs and equipped the stairs with escalators, making it convenient for wheelchair users. There are staff members in each exhibition hall who can be consulted for directions or any questions. Currently, items that pass through security can be brought into the exhibition halls, including cameras, food, water, power banks, etc., and there is no longer a need to store them. Opening hours Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 am to 6:00 pm, Wednesday and Friday from 10:30 am to 9:00 pm, with ticket sales closing half an hour before closing time. Closed on Mondays, as well as on January 1st and May 9th.
Transportation Take bus routes 7, 10, 24, or 191, or tram routes 1, 7, 10, or 11; or take the purple line of the subway and get off at Адмиралтейская/Admiralteyskaya station, turn left at the exit to the intersection, then turn right and go straight to Nevsky Avenue, turn left at the end, and you will see the Winter Palace Square on your right, go straight across the road to reach the General Staff Building, and the Winter Palace is opposite. The subway is not very convenient, it is recommended to walk or take a bus to get there.
One of the four major museums with a rich collection
