# State Hermitage Museum — Saint Petersburg, Russia

> The State Hermitage Museum is a museum of art and culture in Saint Petersburg, Russia. It is the largest art museum in the world by gallery space. It was founded in 1764 when Empress Catherine the Great acquired an impressive collection of paintings from the Berlin merchant Johann Ernst Gotzkowsky.

## Visitor facts
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed Mondays)
- Admission: 500 RUB standard admission
- Free entry: Under 18 free always · Third Thursday of each month free for Russian citizens
- Address: Palace Square, 2, St Petersburg, Russia, 190000
- Time needed: 3–5 hours
- Official website: https://www.hermitagemuseum.org/
- Facts verified: 2026-06-30

## Highlights
- Madonna Litta — Leonardo da Vinci · c. 1490
- Danae — Rembrandt van Rijn · 1636
- The Dance — Henri Matisse · 1910
- Boy with a Dog — Bartolomé Esteban Murillo · c. 1655–1660

## FAQ
**How many rooms does the Hermitage have?**
The State Hermitage Museum occupies six historic buildings on Palace Embankment in Saint Petersburg. The Winter Palace alone has around 1,500 rooms, of which approximately 365 are open to visitors as museum galleries. The entire museum complex spans over 66,842 square metres of gallery space, making it the largest art museum in the world by floor area.

**What are the most famous works at the Hermitage?**
Leonardo da Vinci's Madonna Litta and Madonna with a Flower (two of only about 15 accepted da Vinci paintings in the world); Rembrandt's The Return of the Prodigal Son (one of his greatest late works); Raphael's Conestabile Madonna; a Michelangelo marble sculpture (Crouching Boy); and the extraordinary Peacock Clock — a functioning 18th-century gold automaton clock by James Cox.

**Is the Hermitage open to international tourists?**
The Hermitage remains open and is technically accessible to international visitors, though travel to Russia is significantly restricted from many countries following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Many Western countries advise against all travel to Russia. Visitors should check current travel advisories from their national government before planning a trip to Saint Petersburg.

**What is the Winter Palace?**
The Winter Palace was built between 1754 and 1762 by the architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli as the official residence of the Russian Tsars. The Baroque building on Palace Square is painted celadon green and white and has 1,786 doors, 1,945 windows, and 1,500 rooms. It is the largest and most magnificent of the Hermitage's six buildings, and now houses the core permanent art collection.

**How long should I spend at State Hermitage Museum?**
Plan 3–5 hours for the highlights. Add time for temporary exhibitions, the museum shop, and café.

**What is State Hermitage Museum best known for?**
The State Hermitage Museum is a museum of art and culture in Saint Petersburg, Russia. It is the largest art museum in the world by gallery space. It was founded in 1764 when Empress Catherine the Great acquired an impressive collection of paintings from the Berlin merchant Johann Ernst Gotzkowsky. Key highlights include The Peacock Clock, Madonna Litta by Leonardo da Vinci, The Return of the Prodigal Son by Rembrandt.


Source: https://worldmuseumguide.org/museums/hermitage/ — World Museum Guide, independent and ad-free.