The Hermitage

I had a terrible time putting this entry together so it isn't that pretty!!

We had a truly wonderful day at The Hermitage.  The tour we took included early entry to the museum, lunch in the staff cafeteria and a tour of the new warehouse. Starting the tour early, before the crowds arrived meant, we were able to see many things before it got crowded.  The Museum is overwhelming, there is so much to see and the buildings and rooms are masterpieces in themselves.  The tour included highlights of the collection including Rembandt, da Vinci, Renoir, Van Gogh, Reubens etc.

The Hermitage

Rembrandt - Abraham Sacrificing Esau??

Winter palace Great Throne Room

da Vinci Madonna - with Flower

da Vinci - Madonna with Bird





Renoir - In the Garden

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Van Gogh - Morning, Going Out for Work

We were then taken to the new warehouse and restoration center that has only been open for a year.  It was there that we had lunch in the staff cafeteria and then had a tour of the warehouse.  It is a beautifully designed building with the latest in technology and security.  We saw many pieces of art as well as a lot of furniture.  We also were able to see a collection of carriages and sleigh’s.  One ornate carriage we had seen a number of years ago at a Catherine the Great Exhibition in St. Petersburg, Florida.  We weren’t allowed to take pictures at this facility.