Musical organs became popular in Russia in the 17th and 18th centuries. Prince Alexander Menshikov, who was very fond of music, had a particular liking for organs above other instruments.
Standing in the Grand Hall is a unique musical instrument created by the English craftsman William Winrow between 1737 and 1745. It incorporates a long-case clock, a mechanical organ driven by a wound-up spring and a small bellows organ, a positive, for making music at home. This instrument has been in St Petersburg since 1745 and had various owners in its life. Among them was Prince Potiomkin, a statesman of the time of Catherine II (the instrument was then in his Taurida Palace). In 1909 it was bought by the Hermitage for 1000 roubles at an auction where it was described as "Taurida Clock". After restoration in 1985-87, the organ was transferred to the Menshikov Palace.