The General Staff building facing Palace Square. The Alexander Column is on the left.

The  building was built in 1819-1829. It consists of two wings, which are separated by a tripartite triumphal arch adorned by a sculpture commemorating the Russian victory over Napoleonic France in the Patriotic War of 1812.

This is the entrance from the back door leading up to the main staircase.

The Main (Jordan) Staircase

The Main (Jordan) Staircase

The Main (Jordan) Staircase

Peter the Great room, also known as the small throne room

The Armorial Hall

The Large Throne Room

The inlaid floors were stunning and we didn't need to wear booties.

The Large Throne

The Large Throne Room

The talent that created this floor is beyond comprehension

This is not a painting of  Catherine I

It is a mosaic

This is a spectacular floor mosaic

A small garden on the second floor of the Museum

A gorgeous table.

A closer looks shows fine detail.

A closer look yet reveals that this too is a mosaic.

 The Angel Stopping Abraham From Sacrificing Isaac To God by Rembrandt

The Rembrandt hall has more originals by the painter than are in Amsterdam.

The Nativity by Giovanni della Robbia

The ceilings joined the floors as works of art.

The hallway connecting the New Hermitage with the Hermitage Theater.

The Crouching Boy by Michelangelo

The Large Skylight Hall in the New Hermitage

Table top made from Malachite, a copper carbonate hydroxide mineral

Malachite Vase

A table in the Spanish Skylight Hall in the New Hermitage

A random statue near the base of the Jordan Staircase.

Tour groups from the other ships were lined up around the block.  It was great getting in 30 minutes before the museum opened.