The Hermitage Museum, well-known not only in Russia but throughout the world, owns several buildings, each of which has different expositions. The main and most visited is located in the Winter Palace. But the building directly opposite is the main headquarters of the Hermitage. Its eastern part was transferred to the museum in the early 90s and now also provides a platform for exhibitions and art events.
Monument History
The architectural structure is a unique monument. Back in the 19th century, it was decided to ennoble the territory opposite the imperial palace. The project of the future building was considered for a long time, various options were considered. After approval, K. Rossi and other famous artists - architects and artists, worked on the creation of the monument. Construction work lasted from 1819, ended in the early 30s.
The construction of the Hermitage's General Headquarters in St. Petersburg began under Alexander I, and after his death continued under Nicholas I. The new tsar made some changes to the project. At his request, the arch began to be designed as a monument to brave warriors. The east wing was previously intended for civilian departments. Until the revolution of 1917, the Ministry of Finance was located here, and in 2017, a hundred years later, an exhibition was organized dedicated to that period. In the Soviet years, the People's Commissariat of Foreign Affairs (otherwise - the People's Commissariat of Internal Affairs) was located in the building.
Description
The structure consists of two buildings. They are connected by a high arch, which is decorated with an impressive composition called the “Chariot of Glory”. It is located at an altitude of more than 35 m. This attribute was performed in honor of the victory in the war of 1812. Six horses on the sides and the figure of the goddess of Glory in the center perfectly complement the strict architecture of the headquarters. Numerous high reliefs on the arches of the arch fit perfectly into the composition. The entire building is 580 meters long and slightly bends in the shape of an arc.
Among the special elements of the decor of the General Staff of the Hermitage are street clocks. Established at the beginning of the last century, they always show the exact time.
After going inside, you should first familiarize yourself with the layout of the halls. Each floor has its own system of corridors and atriums. Many halls have their own name: in memory of K. Faberge, Bely and others. Separately, there is a space for lectures.
Current state
In the 2000s, the building was restored, interior decoration was restored. They also worked on the appearance of the structure. Now the whole facade is highlighted at night, and you can take stunning photographs against its background. Entering the museum, visitors will see a magnificent marble staircase, several courtyards, atriums, bridges with glass partitions. Through the transparent elements of the ceiling, daylight breaks through. Some historical interiors of the Soviet and earlier periods were restored.
For several years now, the museum’s management has been thinking about renaming the Hermitage branch — the General Staff Building. This name is not associated with art and scares away potential visitors, especially foreigners. Now the museum provides the opportunity to use audio guides, buy souvenirs and books on painting. With modern equipment, you can independently build a route to visit exhibitions, so as not to get lost in the maze of rooms.
How to find
The main headquarters of the Hermitage is located in the center of St. Petersburg, not far from the Palace Bridge and the square of the same name. It is most convenient to get from the Admiralteyskaya metro station, walk part of the way along Nevsky Prospekt and turn to the arch. When exiting the arch, the entrance to the museum is on the right. In the opposite wing is a garrison court.
If it is preferable to get on urban land transport, you need to get off at the Malaya Morskaya stop. The path from there is quite close, along the way tourists admire the main street of the city, take pictures on Palace Square. Of the modes of transport, there are both trolleybuses and buses.
If tourists chose to visit the Winter Palace first, then you should move straight from it, through the square. Then turn slightly left and go to the doors with the symbols of the museum complex.
Exhibitions at the General Headquarters of the Hermitage
The building occasionally hosts various events dedicated to contemporary art. These are mainly temporary exhibitions, lectures, and creative meetings. For guests' convenience, the building has a cozy cafe where you can have lunch or a snack during the break of the event.
Of the permanent exhibitions, the paintings of famous artists - impressionists and post-impressionists are most interesting to guests. Among them are such famous names as Gauguin, Cezanne, Degas, Monet and many others. To see a unique collection come not only art lovers, but also the artists themselves, art historians and researchers.
You can get acquainted with arts and crafts on the second floor of the building. A little higher is the exhibition of jewelry items. Luxurious trays, sets, women's jewelry and other products of famous factories and craftsmen are presented here.
