the state hermitage museum
The State Hermitage is a museum of art and culture in Saint Petersburg, Russia. One of the largest and oldest museums in the world, it was founded in 1764 by Catherine the Great and has been open to the public since 1852.
History Of "the winter palace"
1762:
Catherine Alexeyevna, the wife of Peter III, rose to power on 28 June 1762 after a coup d’état. It was she who purchased the art collections which formed the basis of today's Hermitage Museum. 1825:
Nicolas I gained power; during his reign the Emperor did much to enrich the imperial art collections and in 1852 the Emperor founded the Imperial Hermitage Museum, which was to be open to the public - or at least to gentlefolk. 1830- 1840:
A.P. Bryulov, representative of the Historicist style, designed the magnificent palace interiors. 1914:
The Opening of the Hospital in the Winter Palace 1964:
The museum formally celebrated its 200th anniversary. |
1754- 1762:
The Winter Palace was built by the architect Rastrelli on the orders of Empress Elizabeth Petrovna. 1764- 1775:
Architect Yuri Velten erected a two-storey building next to the Winter Palace. It was here that Catherine II organized parties known as "small hermitages". 1826:
The Military Gallery of 1812 was created by Carlo Rossi in 1826 in commemoration of Russian arms in the Napoleonic Wars. 1852:
The Opening of the Hermitage Museum 1917:
The Provisional Government moved into the winter palace. |
in our trip, we will be visiting the hermitage museum not only for the vast art works throughout the buildings, but for the historical significance of the buildings themselves.
The Amber Room
The world famous Amber Room, decorated with exquisite art and extraordinary architecture, was originally constructed in the 18th century. However, during World War II, the room was looted by Army Group North of Nazi Germany. It wasn't until 2003 that The Amber Room was recreated in the Hermitage Museum. The location of the original Amber Room is a mystery 'till this day. The room was designed by German baroque sculptor Andreas Schuter and Danish amber craftsman Gottfried Wolfram; the architectural design of the room includes statues of angels and children. Because of the simplicity and beauty of the Amber Room, it had been considered an "Eighth Wonder of the World."
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The Crouching Boy
Michelangelo was best known for his extensive work on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, in the Vatican City. The prominence of this masterpiece causes many to overlook the other talents of this Renaissance artist, such as The Crouching Boy. It is believed that this sculpture was to be part of the work on the medici chapel; however, Michelangelo left the city of Florence in 1534, leaving the collection of work incomplete. There has been much speculation on the meaning of the piece with no definitive answers on its inspiration or purpose; however, one popular theory suggests the meaning of the sculpture is a defeated individual, possibly representing the fall of the Renaissance era. This sculpture is the only artwork of Michelangelo that resides at the Hermitage Museum today. |
The Kazan cathedral
During our trip to Saint Petersburg, we will be visiting the architectural phenomenon, The Kazan Cathedral. Construction for the cathedral began in 1801, continuing for 10 years until 1811, when the new temple replaced the Church of Nativity of the Theotokos. The Kazan Cathedral is not only popular for its architecture, but for its differing purposes as well. After Napoleon invaded Russia in 1812, the church's purpose was altered. The Patriotic War over, the cathedral was perceived primarily as a memorial to the Russian victory against Napoleon. Then in 1876, this cathedral housed the first political demonstration in Russia, the Kazan demonstration. However, the Cathedral later closed following the Russian Revolution of 1917, and would remain closed until 1932. It reopened as the pro-Marxist "Museum of the History of Religion and Atheism." It wasn't until 1992 that the original services of the cathedral returned and it was again used as a Russian Orthodox Church. Today the building is the mother cathedral of the metropolis of Saint Petersburg.
The Kazan Cathedral includes magnificent architecture. The cathedral's interior, with its numerous columns, echoes throughout the palatial hall. The building stands 62 meters high, and stretches 69 meters in length. Not only is the building's size quite impressive, but the cathedral includes many extraordinary interior features as well, including sculptures and icons created by the best Russian artists of the time. The architecture of this building has many unique features, such as a wrought iron grille separating the cathedral from a small square behind it; this iron grille is sometimes cited as one of the finest ever created. Lastly, the cathedrals huge bronze doors are one of the three copies of the original doors of the baptistery in Florence; needless to say, the Kazan Cathedral's uniqueness and popularity make it an important and wondrous site to see in Saint Petersburg.
The Kazan Cathedral includes magnificent architecture. The cathedral's interior, with its numerous columns, echoes throughout the palatial hall. The building stands 62 meters high, and stretches 69 meters in length. Not only is the building's size quite impressive, but the cathedral includes many extraordinary interior features as well, including sculptures and icons created by the best Russian artists of the time. The architecture of this building has many unique features, such as a wrought iron grille separating the cathedral from a small square behind it; this iron grille is sometimes cited as one of the finest ever created. Lastly, the cathedrals huge bronze doors are one of the three copies of the original doors of the baptistery in Florence; needless to say, the Kazan Cathedral's uniqueness and popularity make it an important and wondrous site to see in Saint Petersburg.