The State Hermitage ranks among the greatest museums in the world. Its collection outnumbers three million works of world art and culture which date from the Paleolithic period till modern day. The uniqueness of the Hermitage is much contributed to by the fact that it is accommodated in a majestic architectural complex, the former main Imperial residence. The museum rooms were once used as state rooms of the royal family. The museum displays are almost infinite. To see all of them the visitor should walk many kilometers through its rooms and halls and spend many days here. This guidebook may be of use for both those who have much time for a thorough acquaintance with the museum and those who can spend only a few hours here. In any case you will keep it as a souvenir reminding you of your visit to the famous museum.