A delegation from the State Hermitage headed by the museum's Director Mikhail Piotrovsky was in Italy from 2 until 6 May 2006 and visited the cities of Ferrara, Mantua and Verona in order to study on location and in detail the suggestion from these cities that a Hermitage Center in Italy be created in their region.

During meetings with representatives of the local government authorities, public and private institutions, universities and cultural centers, discussions were held with regard to the likely areas of activity of the future Hermitage Center. There was an exchange on how each of the interested parties understands and views this issue.

The delegation from the State Hermitage can confirm that the final choice of location will be made after consultations with the Directorate and Academic Council of the State Hermitage, the Federal Agency for Culture and Cinematography of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Culture and Mass Communications of the Russian Federation.