The New Hermitage was the first building in Russia specially constructed to house the art collections of the Museum. It was designed by the German architect Leo von Klenze. When it was erected in the years1842-51, the supervising architects Vasily Stasov and Nikolai Yefimov made substantial alterations to the ideas of their colleague from Munich in order to harmonize the building with the surrounding architectural ensemble.
The New Hermitage is an example of the architectural style known as Historicism, as evidenced in the strict and monumental outer appearance and the harmony of architectural volumes. The entrance to the Museum is highlighted by a splendid portico with figures of atlantes hewed from grey Serdobol granite in the workshop of sculptor Alexander Terebenev. The building is also decorated with statues and bas-reliefs representing famous artists, architects and sculptors from bygone ages. The large planes of the facades are enlivened by ornamental decoration based on Antique, Renaissance and Baroque motifs.