The Hermitage Museum and Winter Palace is one of the most beautiful buildings (there are many) in Saint Petersburg. It's distinct color, design and grandeur make it stand out. It is also one of the most popular attractions in the city.
The Hermitage Museum and Winter Palace are two of the most prominent structures in the city. It comes as no surprise because of its stunning exterior. Its beauty outside is matched with what you'll see inside.
The museum is one big art gallery with more than 3 million exhibits. I only stayed for roughly three hours and felt that I just rushed through everything. It'll take multiple visits to not just see all, but also appreciate the artwork on display.
I was immediately impressed as soon as I left the ticket counter and walked toward the entrance.
The different rooms were restored and well-maintained, allowing visitors to get a glimpse of how royalty lived during their heyday.
I was amazed at what I saw inside the museum, from Impressionist era art to Oriental masterpieces. I saw paintings, sculptures and beautiful pieces of furniture.
I saw paintings of some members of the imperial family.
Gold, columns, elaborate windows and chandeliers were just some of the common features you'll see inside the museum.
The artwork wasn't the only thing that was beautiful inside, even the rooms they were displayed in were eye candy.
I'm no art connoisseur, my trip here introduced me to artists I was unfamiliar with.
There were Byzantine era exhibits as well.
One of the highlights of a trip here is the Madonna and Child made by none other than Leonardo da Vinci.
The hallway in one section of the museum was beautiful.
I just quickly went through the exhibits of the sculptures and didn't appreciate them as much as I should, there's always next time.
How to Get to the Hermitage Museum
The museum is at 2 Dvortsovaya Ploschad or Palace Square. The closest metro station is Admiralteyskaya.
You can visit the website here: State Hermitage Museum
Expenses
The entrance fee to the museum and other attractions is RUB700. You can book online via: http://www.hermitagemuseum.org/wps/portal/hermitage/tickets.
The museum is open daily from 10:30 to 18:00, Wednesdays and Fridays until 21:00. It's closed on Monday.