The Hermitage General Staff Building contains an impressive world class collection of Monet, Renoir, Matisse, Cezanne and Picasso paintings. In addition there are many beautiful works by Russian painters who i regret that I was not more aware of. It is recommended to get the audio guide, start on the top floor (4th) and descend to the 3rd and 2nd floors. In addition to paintings there are several large sculpture halls, silverware and other exhibitions. Two hours was not enough time and I left without seeing everything. I will return for sure. Like the Hermitage at the Winter Palace, it takes more than one visit and more than one day to see everything. There building has been extensively modernized and an impressive atrium is at the start of the exhibition. Another outstanding world class museum! There are multiple book and souvenir shops throughout the museum. The shop just before the exit has canvas (not paper) printed copies of many of the beautiful paintings in the museum. The paintings are up to A2 size.

Ratchapon Jaengpromma

Level 13 Local Expert

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I recently visited the General Staff Building (Главный штаб), and it was an unforgettable experience. The first thing that impressed me was the architecture — the building is grand, elegant, and full of historical significance. Even before entering, the exterior already gives a strong sense of how important this place is in the history and culture of Saint Petersburg. Inside, the space is beautifully designed and very well maintained. The exhibitions are thoughtfully curated, with a wide variety of artworks ranging from classical to modern art. Each section is clearly organized, making it easy to explore and understand the context of the displays. I especially appreciated how spacious the galleries are, allowing visitors to enjoy the artworks without feeling crowded. The atmosphere inside the museum is calm and inspiring, perfect for taking your time and fully immersing yourself in the art. There are plenty of benches and resting areas, which is great if you plan to spend several hours there. The lighting is excellent and really enhances the details of the artworks. The staff were polite, professional, and helpful whenever I had questions. Information signs are available in multiple languages, which is very convenient for international visitors. The museum is also easy to navigate, with clear directions and well-marked sections. Overall, visiting the General Staff Building was a highlight of my trip. It is a perfect place for anyone who loves art, architecture, and history. I would strongly recommend setting aside enough time to explore everything at a relaxed pace. This is truly a must-visit destination when coming to Saint Petersburg, and I would happily return again in the future.

Nazs Nazesuz

Level 15 Local Expert

I recommend you to have a time for all day to walk in hermitage it's very huge and many details I wish to see the describe in English to be a better place.

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