New Hermitage
The New Hermitage is one of the five buildings of the Hermitage Museum. It is a two-story structure containing 50 halls containing valuable exhibits. The museum is also famous for its Raphael Loggias, which were created during the reign of Empress Catherine II.
Construction History
Construction of the New Hermitage began in 1842, and the museum opened 10 years later. At the time, this was a major event for the state—everyone could visit the museum and admire its rich collection of world-renowned works. It was the first museum specifically built for the public. Previously, exhibits were housed in the Great and Small Hermitages, but not everyone was able to see the exhibition. As the number of relics increased, a new building was needed. The New Hermitage was designed by Leo von Klenze, renowned for his work in the neo-Gothic style. He sketched the building and its interior, and based on his drawings, the facades were decorated with numerous sculptures. In 2015, all the statues, which had fallen into disrepair, were replaced with bronze counterparts.
Halls of the New Hermitage
On the first floor, tourists can visit 20 halls filled with original exhibits from classical antiquity. These include sculptures made in Ancient Greece. It's difficult to imagine the age of each sculpture, but their value is undeniable. Upon entering the initial halls, visitors are first introduced to Roman sculpture. Of particular note is the hall dedicated to Jupiter, decorated in green marble with a sculpture of the ancient god at its center. The work of the Ancient Greeks is organized by period, and visitors can even see ancient vases dating back over 4,000 years. The Hall of Athena impresses not only with its relics but also with its paneling. It's worth visiting the hall filled with vases, displaying ancient vessels from the most popular schools of their time. It's a pleasure to stroll through the vestibule of the New Hermitage, climb the marble staircase, and admire the statue of the goddess of Glory and the red granite columns.
Highlights of the Institution
The second floor will be especially interesting for lovers of Renaissance paintings. You can explore the works of Raphael, Lorenzetto, and other artists of that era. In addition to paintings, the museum exhibits examples of ancient furniture. You can visit the Cabinets—small spaces for the exhibition of small paintings. Here you can admire Michelangelo's sculptures and works by Raphael. Of particular interest are three bright halls filled with works by Italian artists. In addition to paintings, visitors can view medieval knightly armor and a collection of weapons from that era.
The Raphael Loggias were created during the reign of the Great Empress and are reminiscent of the gallery of the Vatican Palace. The high corridor is divided by arches, each featuring a copy of Raphael's frescoes. It's worth noting that the images were not simply copied, but rather transferred to the arches, preserving the meaning of each. They include one scene from the New Testament, while the remaining 12 belong to the Old Testament.
Address
The New Hermitage is located on Millionnaya Street and can be reached by metro. The nearest station is Admiralteyskaya, about a 10-minute walk away. A separate ticket is not required for entry. Tickets are shared between the New and State Hermitages.
