About State Hermitage Museum
Spread across six historic buildings centred on the Winter Palace, the Hermitage holds three million items, from prehistoric artefacts to modern masterpieces — the second largest art collection in the world.
Founded in 1764, State Hermitage Museum has been welcoming visitors for over 262 years. Today it draws approximately 3,500,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most-visited art & encyclopedic museums in the world. Located in Saint Petersburg, Russia, the museum holds a rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 41,000 traveller reviews, reflecting its enduring appeal to both first-time visitors and returning enthusiasts.
Why State Hermitage Museum ranks #5
Our editorial ranking blends data from TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards, AECOM/TEA annual attendance figures, and coverage in leading travel publications including Condé Nast Traveler, Time Out, National Geographic and The Times. At #5, State Hermitage Museum sits firmly in our top tier — a museum that consistently appears on every credible "best museums in the world" list we track. Key recognitions include: UNESCO World Heritage, TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice.
Must-see highlights
With a recommended visit time of 4–6 hours, planning your route through State Hermitage Museum is essential. Here are the standout works and spaces that should be at the top of your list:
- ◆Winter Palace state rooms
- ◆Madonna Litta (Leonardo)
- ◆Rembrandt's Return of the Prodigal Son
- ◆Picasso & Matisse rooms
- ◆Peacock Clock
- ◆Scythian gold
Recognition & awards
State Hermitage Museum has received recognition from multiple authoritative sources in the museum and travel industry:
Planning your visit
Opening hours: Tue–Sun 11:00–18:00 (Wed & Fri until 20:00). Closed Mon.
How long to spend: Most visitors recommend setting aside 4–6 hours for a thorough visit. If you are short on time, focus on the highlights listed above and consider purchasing a skip-the-line ticket to maximise your time inside.
Getting there: State Hermitage Museum is located in Saint Petersburg, Russia at coordinates 59.9398°N, 30.3146°E. View on Google Maps →
Visitor tips: Given the size of this museum, comfortable shoes are essential. Consider splitting your visit across two days if your schedule allows. Check the official website for any temporary closures, special exhibitions and advance booking requirements.
History of State Hermitage Museum
State Hermitage Museum was established in 1764, making it one of the oldest museums in the world. Over the centuries, it has grown from its original collection to become a major cultural landmark in Saint Petersburg. With 3,500,000 annual visitors, it plays a vital role in Russia's cultural tourism economy and stands as one of the most important art & encyclopedic museums in the Europe region.
Other top art & encyclopedic museums
If you enjoy art & encyclopedic museums like State Hermitage Museum, you may also want to explore these highly-ranked institutions in the same category:
- #1Musée du LouvreParis, France
- #2The Metropolitan Museum of ArtNew York, United States
- #3Vatican MuseumsVatican City, Vatican City
- #4British MuseumLondon, United Kingdom
- #6Museo del PradoMadrid, Spain
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours of State Hermitage Museum?
Tue–Sun 11:00–18:00 (Wed & Fri until 20:00). Closed Mon. We recommend checking the official website before your visit as hours may change on public holidays or during special events.
How long should I spend at State Hermitage Museum?
Most visitors recommend spending 4–6 hours for a comprehensive visit. If you are short on time, prioritise the must-see highlights listed above.
Where is State Hermitage Museum located?
State Hermitage Museum is located in Saint Petersburg, Russia. The exact coordinates are 59.9398°, 30.3146°. You can find directions via Google Maps.
What is State Hermitage Museum known for?
Catherine the Great's imperial collection. Key highlights include Winter Palace state rooms, Madonna Litta (Leonardo), Rembrandt's Return of the Prodigal Son. The museum holds a 4.8/5 rating from 41,000 reviews.
How many people visit State Hermitage Museum each year?
State Hermitage Museum receives approximately 3,500,000 visitors per year, making it one of the most-visited museums in Russia.
When was State Hermitage Museum founded?
State Hermitage Museum was founded in 1764, making it 262 years old. It is categorised as a art & encyclopedic museum in our directory.
