Every year, the State Hermitage Museum hosts its Gala Banquet
in the Winter Palace. This magnificent celebration, worthy of
the Russian Tsars, attracts patrons of the arts and friends of
the Hermitage from all over the world. As the Museum approaches
its 250th anniversary in 2014, this year's gala will focus international
attention to the history of the Hermitage and its imperial owners,
the 400th Anniversary of whose dynasty would have taken place
this year but for the events of 1917.
Historically, one of the most glamorous events in the Winter
Palace, the so-called "Romanov Ball" was held by the
last tsar of the Romanov Dynasty in 1903. All the invited guests
(the inner circle - comprised of the Imperial Family and the highest
nobility) were required to wear 17th century costumes of the epoch
of Tsar Alexis, the second Romanov on the throne. This costume
ball became an instant legend. One hundred and ten years later
we wish to commemorate this amazing event by recreating it, in
part, at our 2013 Gala Banquet
The Gala festivities will commence at the Council Entrance on
the Palace Embankment. From there, the guests will proceed to
the Pavilion Hall where, 110 years ago, the participants of the
Romanovs Ball awaited the appearance of the Imperial couple, Tsar
Nicholas II and Tsarina Alexandra Feodorovna. Champagne will then
be served in the Hanging Garden of Catherine the Great. From there,
guests will assemble in the Hermitage Theatre where, following
the programme of 1903, the artists of the Mariinsky Opera and
Ballet will perform a Gala Concert. After this performance guests
will then view the Winter Palace's main halls as they walk to
the Jordan Gallery for a five-course dinner.
Following dinner, guests will be invited to view a special exhibition
en route to the Heraldry Hall where the dancing will commemorate
the Romanov Ball of 1913.
By tradition, at midnight, the famous Peacock Clock will chime,
and a farewell toast will be offered in the Great Courtyard of
the Winter Palace.
