Альбом (на англ.яз.)
A treasure-trove of Russian and world culture, the State Hermitage is called upon to collect, preserve, study and show art works to thus promote a better understanding among people. Apart from Russia`s largest art repository, the name Hermitage implies a research institute, a culturo-educational center and a historico-architectural landmark. The history of the Hermitage falls into several periods, among which the reign Catherine II, who founded the Imperial museum, is naturally the principal one. Thanks to the activity of Russian crowned heads and outstanding collectors, the Hermitage grew into one of the world`s greatest museums.