New Hermitage, Art museum in Dvortsovy Municipal Okrug, Russia
The New Hermitage is a three-story art museum in Saint Petersburg with a façade decorated by giant Atlas figures and multiple types of marble throughout its interior. The building connects directly to the main Hermitage complex and houses European paintings, ancient artworks, and sculptures across its galleries.
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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