With our deep roots in Russia, Viking is able to present sights and insights in a way others cannot. In St. Petersburg, our longstanding relationship with the world-renowned Hermitage Museum allows us to offer you an optional guided excursion — a private VIP tour of the Hermitage and its high-tech art vault.
The State Hermitage Museum
Behind-the-Scenes at The Hermitage*
This full-day discovery is led by a Hermitage Scholar, who stays with you throughout the day. En route from the ship, they will provide an overview of the Museum’s turbulent history as an imperial palace for the Romanov Czars, seat of the provisional revolutionary government as well as a World War II hospital. The growth of its collections and the importance of the Hermitage as a research, education and restoration facility will also be explained.
Arriving at the museum before it opens, you will be ushered in through a private entrance and begin your exclusive exploration of the collections. In addition to such highlights as James Cox’s Peacock Clock, the breathtaking Raphael Loggias and works by many of the world’s greatest artists such as van Gogh, Picasso and Cézanne, you will enjoy a private viewing of the Diamond and Gold Treasuries: Scythian gold, stunning diamond jewelry and works by Fabergé.
Continue your experience at the museum’s magnificent art vaults in
Staraya Derevnya. Employing state- of-the-art display and restoration techniques, the Hermitage Storage Facility covers more than 357,000 square feet of floor space. After lunch with museum staff, an art storage expert will introduce you to the important work done here. Then, after you clear security, you will marvel at the Imperial carriages, the opulent Romanov furniture collection and the fascinating glass-fronted displays of priceless art works, tapestries, icons and sculptures.
* This is an in-depth extended alternative to our included Hermitage visit referenced on page 84.
x Top, from left to right: Leonardo da Vinci’s “Madonna Litta”; Peter the Great’s Throne; The Raphael Loggias; a Scythian comb (c. 500 BC); Paul Gauguin’s “Woman Holding a Fruit” Bottom: An Imperial carriage; a display of Imperial furniture