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If you are looking to see one of the greatest art collections the world has to offer, then a visit to The Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg is a must. It is one of the largest and oldest art galleries in the world and has an amazing account of human history. Located on the picturesque Neva River and held within six palace buildings, The Hermitage is an example of the amazing power of human creativity.
In 1764, Catherine the Great bought 250 pieces of art for her private hermitage. Having the collection housed in her winter palace, she allowed few to see these fine pieces of art. During the Russian Revolution, in the early part of the 20th Century, the museum was considered public property and most private art collections were nationalized, making this museum one of the largest art owners in the world.
Pieces in the collection include works by Michelangelo, da Vinci, Rapheal, and one of the biggest holdings of modernist and post-modernist art anywhere. There are over 40 of Picasso's cubist paintings, Gaugin and Matisse are well represented and the collection of Faberge jewelry is a must see for anyone who loves decorative body art. The Hermitage boasts the largest collection of gold in the world.
When you make your plans to visit Russia and this museum allow yourself several days for the collection is large and cannot be enjoyed in one day. There are some of the world's finest accommodations and the food ranges from comforting snacks to four star dining. After spending your day looking at some of humanities greatest achievements, book yourself a relaxing massage, a soak in one of the natural hot baths and a glass of the famous Russian vodka, this will be the perfect end to a day of admiring one of the most magnificent art collections in the world.
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