New Hermitage, Art museum in Dvortsovy Municipal Okrug, Russia
The New Hermitage is a two-story art museum in Saint Petersburg, built 1842–1851 to Leo von Klenze's design as Russia's first purpose-built public art museum. Its entrance portico on Millionnaya Street is borne by ten five-metre atlantes carved in 1846 from grey Serdobol granite by Alexander Terebenyov and 150 stonemasons. The rectangular building has two inner courtyards and four differently treated facades.
Designed by German architect Leo von Klenze between 1842 and 1851, this building was the first in Russia built specifically for public art display. Its completion changed how art collections were presented, since they had previously been accessible only to the aristocracy.
The name was chosen to distinguish it from the older Hermitage Palace, and the galleries display European art from different periods in a way that shows artistic development. Visitors walk through rooms organized chronologically, which helps them understand how painting and sculpture evolved.
Access is through the entrance marked by the large Atlas statues, which leads directly to the main museum and makes visiting straightforward. Visitors should allow time to explore multiple floors and wear comfortable shoes since there is considerable walking.
The building incorporates twenty different types of marble sourced from across Europe, hidden from view until visitors step inside where they immediately catch the eye. This variety of materials was a display of prestige and wealth when the structure was built.
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