The New Hermitage

"The Hermitage enjoys great popularity in our country. Just pronounce the word "Hermitage"! In all the corners of Russia everyone has already heard of it. Even those who have never visited St Petersburg ask about it."

Otechestvennye Zapiski, 1860

The New Hermitage designed by Leo von Klenze and constructed in the mid-19th century to house the imperial art collections is a monument of art in itself.