TL20120630StIsaacCathedral

St. Isaac's Cathedral, Hermitage Museum

Hermitage is one of the most splendid museums in the world. Built by the Empress Elizabeth,
daughter of Peter the Great, the palace became part of the Hermitage Museum, originating in
1764 when Catherine the Great began her private art collection. Today, more than 1,000 rooms
house nearly three million exhibits and displays representing some of the world’s greatest art.

The staggering collection of art and paintings ranges from ancient Egypt to early 20th-century
Europe and is set in a complex of buildings magnificently and lavishly adorned with gold leaf,
malachite, jasper, agate, and marble. Marvel at masterpieces by da Vinci, Michelangelo,
Raphael, Rembrandt, a full range of French Impressionists, Van Gogh, Rodin, and many more
of the world’s great artists.