Winter Palace, Saint Petersburg, Russia

The Winter Palace was built between 1754 and 1762 for Empress Elizabeth, the daughter of Peter the Great. Unfortunately, Elizabeth died before the palace’s completion and only Catherine the Great and her successors were able to enjoy the sumptuous interiors of Elizabeth’s home. Many of the palace’s impressive interiors have been remodeled since then, particularly after 1837, when a huge fire destroyed most of the building. Today the Winter Palace, together with four more buildings arranged side by side along the river embankment, houses the extensive collections of the Hermitage. The Hermitage Museum is the largest art gallery in Russia and is among the largest and most respected art museums in the world.

The museum was founded in 1764 when Catherine the Great purchased a collection of 255 paintings from the German city of Berlin. Today, the Hermitage boasts over 2.7 million exhibits and displays a diverse range of art and artifacts from all over the world and from throughout history (from Ancient Egypt to the early 20th century Europe). The Hermitage’s collections include works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael and Titian, a unique collection of Rembrandts and Rubens, many French Impressionist works by Renoir, Cezanne, Manet, Monet and Pissarro, numerous canvasses by Van Gogh, Matisse, Gaugin and several sculptures by Rodin. The collection is both enormous and diverse and is an essential stop for all those interested in art and history.

References:

Saint-Petersburg.com

User Reviews

ABJ (8 months ago)
Most of the rooms in the palace exhibit artworks depicting a lifestyle rarely associated with the Romanovs. Personally, I didn't find it enjoyable because of the many paintings featuring nudity. I highly recommend visiting the Winter Palace instead, where you can explore preserved rooms that offer a richer historical perspective. Additionally, it's advisable not to bring children to this palace.

Amy Elizabeth (8 months ago)
An absolutely stunning Palace from the moment you walk in to the all the rooms you explore . This is something else the gold and share beauty of each room blows you away and leaves you speechless. What a grand place it was for the royals to be in and a magnificent opportunity for me to be able to visit and enjoy this glamorous Palace. We had a tour at 10am and was able to explore the whole Palace in 2 hours which was thought was enough time . With photos and videos of each room if necessary, I really enjoyed how there was so much group here but everyone was organised. They waited in a line behind you until you moved to the next room then they enter the room you left behind very well organised no chaos. And the gardens was very pretty with all the flowers and great views for taking photos at the top . We had a man playing a flute in the gardens which was a treat to experience as we was coming to the end of the gardens. A video was created of this music and the golden building at the top it was a wonderful moment shared . A final thought to say we was very excited to be able to get photos in all the rooms before My partner said it was not possible in the Amber room. This was My wish could true to visit the Amber room it was something out of this world I ask how much it was worth and and speechless. Also the pure gold in all the room I have never witnessed a english or somewhere else in Europe like this .I found this magnificent and should a privilege to experience this type of Palace full of gold rooms.

blal ru (11 months ago)
Amazing museum, highly recommended. Tickets are on doors. Keep in mind they close at 6pm so be there 3 hours prior to enjoy your time there

CK Cheong (13 months ago)
Stunning, grand and awe-inspiring palace. The Winter Palace, in St. Petersburg, Russia, is renowned as the official residence of the Russian monarchs from 1732 to 1917. A notable example of Baroque and Neoclassical styles. Breath-taking art pieces and decoration inside. Must see

Preechavut Khumsab (2 years ago)
Both summer and winter palaces in Russia you shouldn't miss to visit. Because you'll know more Russian history both of the good and bad sides they used to fail and archive. That's what I've learned because history usually repeats itself as long as human habits have never been changed particularly in Geed and Fear.

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