Known not only in Russia, but throughout the worldThe Hermitage Museum owns several buildings, each with a different exhibition. The main and most visited is located in the Winter Palace. But the building directly opposite is not ignored either - the Hermitage General Headquarters. Its eastern part was handed over to the museum in the early 90s and now also represents a platform for exhibitions and art events.
History of the monument
The architectural structure is uniquemonument. Even in the XIX century, it was decided to improve the territory opposite the imperial palace. The project of the future building was considered for a long time, various options were considered. After approval of the creation of the monument worked K. Rossi and other famous artists - architects and artists. Construction work lasted from 1819, ended in the early 30s.
Actions for the construction of the General Staff of the Hermitage inSt. Petersburg began under Alexander I, and after his death continued under Nicholas I. The new king made some changes to the project. At his request, the arch began to make out as a monument to brave warriors. The eastern wing was previously intended for civilian departments. Up until the 1917 revolution, the Ministry of Finance was located here, and in 2017, a hundred years later, an exhibition was organized dedicated to that period. In Soviet times, the Commissariat of Foreign Affairs was located in the corps (aka the NKID).
Description
The structure consists of two buildings.Between themselves, they are connected by a high arch, which is decorated with an impressive composition called The Chariot of Glory. It is located at an altitude of more than 35 m. This attribute was made in honor of the victory in the war of 1812. The six horses on the sides and the figure of the goddess of Glory in the center perfectly complement the strict architecture of the headquarters. Numerous high reliefs on the arches of the arch fit perfectly into the composition. The entire building is 580 meters long and slightly curved in the shape of an arc.
Among the special elements of the decor of the General Staff of the Hermitage is a street clock. Installed at the beginning of the last century, they always show the exact time.
After going inside, you should firstget acquainted with the layout plan of the halls. Each floor has its own system of corridors and atriums. Many halls have their own name: the memory of C. Faberge, White and others. Separately, there is a space for lectures.
Current state
In the 2000s, the building was restored,restored interior design. Worked including the appearance of the structure. Now at night, the entire facade is highlighted, and you can make stunning photographs on its background. Going inside the museum, visitors will see the majestic marble staircase, several courtyards, atriums, bridges with glass partitions. Through the transparent elements of the ceiling daylight breaks through. Some historical interiors of the Soviet and earlier periods were restored.
This is not the first year for the museum management.reflects on the renaming of the Hermitage department - the General Staff building. This name is not associated with art and scares potential visitors, especially foreigners. Now the museum has the opportunity to use audio guides, buy souvenirs and books on painting. On the modern equipment, you can independently build a route to visit the exhibitions, so as not to get lost in the maze of rooms.
How to find
The main headquarters of the Hermitage is located in the centerSt. Petersburg, near the Palace Bridge and the square of the same name. The most convenient way is to get from the metro station "Admiralteyskaya", walk part of the way along Nevsky Prospect and turn towards the arch. When exiting the arch, the entrance to the museum is located on the right. In the opposite wing is a garrison court.
If it is preferable to take a cityground transportation, you need to get off at the stop "Small Sea". The way from there is quite close, on the way tourists admire the main street of the city, are photographed on Palace Square. From the types of transport go both trolley buses and buses.
If tourists chose to visit the Winter Palace first, then from it one should move straight through the square. Then turn slightly to the left and go to the door with the symbols of the museum complex.
Exhibitions in the General Staff of the Hermitage
In the building from time to time, variousevents dedicated to contemporary art. These are mainly temporary exhibitions, lectures, and creative meetings. For the convenience of guests in the building there is a cozy cafe where you can have lunch or a snack during the break of the event.
Of the permanent exhibits are the most interesting.guests canvases of famous artists - impressionists and post-impressionists. Among them are such famous names as Gauguin, Cezanne, Degas, Monet and many others. Not only art lovers, but also artists, art historians and researchers come to see the unique collection.
Get familiar with the arts and craftspossible on the second floor of the building. And just above is an exhibition of jewelry items. Here are the luxurious trays, dinner sets, women's jewelry and other products of famous factories and craftsmen.
Working hours
Работает музей все дни недели, кроме понедельника.The exception will be some holidays: January 1 and May 9. Main working hours - from 10 h. 30 min. up to 18 hours. On Wednesday or Friday you can stay longer in the exhibition hall: closing will take place at 21 o'clock. The working hours of the Hermitage General Staff are the same as those of other objects of the museum complex.
Ticket prices vary depending onseason, if the tourist wants to get into several buildings of the museum complex at once. If the choice fell only on the main headquarters of the Hermitage, the price is stable - 300 rubles for the entrance. Either the amount assigned by the curators of the temporary exhibition or the organizers of the creative meeting.
It is worth remembering that in the General Staff of the Hermitagethe work of the cash registers ends one hour before the closure of the whole corps. For tourists, the best solution would be to purchase a single ticket to several museum buildings at once. It is more convenient to do this through special machines to avoid standing in lines. There are benefits for certain categories of visitors.
