The Winter Palace famously houses the Hermitage Museum, one of the largest and oldest museums in the world, founded in 1764 by Catherine the Great. This tour will take you through the museum's vast collection which encompasses over three million works of art and cultural artifacts. The highlights include masterpieces from Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Picasso, Rembrandt, and countless others. Patrons can admire the grandeur of the Tsar's former Winter Palace and the museum's collection of paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and classical antiquities, all spread across six historic buildings. Each building, including the Winter Palace itself, has its own unique history and collection of artworks. The museum is renowned not only for its impressive collections but also for the lavish interior decor of the palace.
This private tour offers a comprehensive experience of the Imperial history of St. Petersburg. It includes a guided visit to the Winter Palace and an exploration of other significant historical sites nearby. After marveling at the Hermitage collections, visitors can continue onto the Fabergé Museum, which creatively showcases the jeweler's art of the famous Fabergé eggs, along with other decorative arts. It is a perfect addition for history buffs and art enthusiasts to understand the grandeur the Russian Empire. The tour grants an exclusive insight into the luxurious lifestyle of Russian monarchs and the unparalleled craftsmanship of their era. Each Fabergé piece is a work of art with unique history, providing a window into the past lavishness and opulence of the Russian Imperial Court.
Throughout the year, the Hermitage Museum organizes various thematic exhibitions within the Winter Palace. These limited-time exhibitions delve into specific art movements, periods, or showcase works from a particular artist or region. The displays consist of pieces from the museum's own collections as well as international loans. Visitors on this tour can expect to gain in-depth knowledge about the theme of the exhibition from experienced guides. It is a splendid way to see the museum from fresh perspectives and enjoy the collections’ hidden gems that may not always be part of the main display. The tour also allows visitors to focus on works they may be most interested in or introductions to new art forms and historical narratives.
The Architectural History Tour of the Winter Palace is for enthusiasts interested in the evolution of architectural styles and the construction stories behind St. Petersburg's grandest edifice. The intricate designs and massive scale of the Palace's architecture reflect the might and sophistication of Imperial Russia. A knowledgeable guide will lead visitors through the spectacular state rooms and private quarters, explaining the architectural developments and renovations carried out during the reigns of successive emperors. The tour provides insights into how architects like Bartolomeo Rastrelli and Vasily Stasov contributed to the Palace's iconic appearance and function as a political, cultural, and social hub.
Immerse yourself in the world of the Russian Tsars with a tour that focuses on the Imperial Family's legacy within the Winter Palace. The tour offers visitors a chance to learn about the day-to-day lives, intriguing stories, and significant events related to the Romanovs. It includes a walkthrough of the private living quarters of various tsars and tsarinas, showcasing their personal tastes in art and decoration as well as their political accomplishments. The tour further encompasses stories of palace intrigue, lavish parties, and pivotal historical moments that range from Peter the Great’s era to Nicholas II’s time. Guides often share captivating stories, enhancing the experience of stepping back into the era of Imperial Russia.
The Treasures of the Hermitage tour is tailored to highlight the most precious objects of the museum's collections. It includes the Diamond Room, which houses a breathtaking collection of jewels, gold, and rare gems that belonged to the royal family and nobility, as well as the Gold Room, which showcases ancient gold artifacts from the Greeks, Scythians, and East Asia. The tour also visits other significant masterpieces throughout the museum including but not limited to the Madonna Litta by Leonardo da Vinci and the Knight at the Crossroads by Viktor Vasnetsov. This tour provides visitors with a chance to see many of the illustrious items not normally included in a standard museum tour.
Experience the Winter Palace and Hermitage Museum in a unique and intimate setting with an after-hours private tour. This exclusive experience allows a limited number of visitors to explore the museum's extensive collections without the crowds, offering a peaceful and personal encounter with the art. Alongside a personal guide, visitors can enjoy some of the world's most renowned works of art while learning about the history of the museum, the Winter Palace, and the art within. From the majestic Jordan Staircase to the grand Pavilion Hall with its Peacock Clock, this after-hours tour offers a truly memorable visit, perfect for special occasions or for art aficionados seeking a more tranquil museum experience.
This tour provides a guided exploration of the gardens and exterior architecture of the Winter Palace. Although much smaller than during the Imperial era, the Palace Square and surrounding gardens remain a testament to the magnificence of the Russian Empire. The tour covers the design and landscape architecture of the gardens, complimented by stories that surround the historical events that took place here, including the Bloody Sunday massacre and pivotal scenes of the 1917 October Revolution. The exterior views of the palace's opulent facades, as well as the historical Alexander Column and General Staff Building, complete this insightful outdoor experience.
For those interested in the behind-the-scenes workings of one of the world's greatest museums, the Art Restoration Workshop Visit at the Hermitage offers an exclusive peek into the delicate process of restoring and preserving art. Tour participants will see restorers at work and learn about the advanced techniques and painstaking care that go into maintaining the museum's treasures. This unique tour appeals to those with an interest in art conservation, providing detailed insights into the challenges and triumphs involved in keeping the world's artistic heritage vibrant and accessible for future generations.
The Winter Palace occasionally hosts evening classical music concerts in its opulent halls, providing an enchanting blend of art and music. These concerts often feature the works of renowned composers played by talented orchestras or chamber ensembles. Surrounded by lavish rooms where Russian royalty once walked, attendees get to enjoy an auditory and visual feast. The atmosphere during these concerts recalls the imperial past, as music fills the halls that were once the epicenter of cultural life in Russia. The event is an ideal way to experience the high art of St. Petersburg after a day exploring the museum.
Historical Places (21)
Museums (3)
