Hermitage Rooms

The Hermitage Rooms were exhibition spaces in Somerset House's south wing, decorated to reflect the design of the Winter Palace in Saint Petersburg. The spaces displayed works from the famous Russian collection alongside pieces from other museums in rotating exhibitions.

Lord Rothschild initiated the establishment of these exhibition spaces in the 1990s with support from private and corporate donors. The project enabled direct cultural exchange between the Hermitage Museum and London.

The exhibition spaces displayed rotating collections from the Hermitage and presented works such as Western paintings, photography, ceramics, and Islamic art objects. Visitors could engage with Russian and international artistic traditions that were brought together in these temporary exhibitions.

The rooms were located inside Somerset House and were part of the venue's established museum and exhibition offerings. Visitors could expect rotating exhibition themes and access as part of the larger Somerset House complex.

A gala evening with performer Elton John in 2002 raised funds for the learning centers at the venue. This unusual funding method helped secure educational programs at this cultural site.

Location: City of Westminster

Inception: 2000

Address: Somerset House, London

Website: http://hermitagerooms.com

GPS coordinates: 51.51080,-0.11722

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:06