Unexpected collections
101
MUSEUMS THE
OF ST. PETERSBURG St. Petersburg may have the Hermitage, one of the world’s greatest art galleries, and its Russian Museum does house the biggest collection of Russian art in the country. Yet for those who have the courage, the enthusiasm and the time to venture beyond the traditional touristy fare, Russia’s northern capital has a wealth of hidden wonders that offer thrilling insights into the Russian artistic heritage. by
Galina Stoljarova
SECRETS OF THE TSARS Opposite page, detail of the gates of St. Petersburg’s Winter Palace. A typical example of Baroque art, the building was modified four times. The last by Italian architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli and was completed in 1762. It was one of the residences of the Romanovs, and is today part of the Hermitage museum complex, home to one of the world’s most important art collections.
100_10~1.indd 101
14/03/13 13.58