Guided tours of the Hermitage’s state-of-the-art restoration and storage facility are highly recommended. This is not a formal exhibition as such, but the guides are knowledgable and the examples chosen for display (paintings, furniture and carriages) are wonderful.
The storage facility is directly behind the big shopping centre opposite the metro station – look for the enormous golden-yellow glass facility decorated with shapes inspired by petroglyphs.
The highlight is undoubtedly the gorgeous wool and silk embroidered Turkish ceremonial tent, presented to Catherine the Great by the Sultan Selim III in 1793. Beside it stands an equally impressive modern diplomatic gift: a massive wood carving of the mythical garuda bird, given by Indonesia to the city for its 300th anniversary.
Other notable displays are of ancient Russian icons and frescos; selections from the collection of 3500 canvases by Russian artists down the ages; eight giant vertically hanging tapestries that can be moved simultaneously to a musical accompaniment; a hall of imperial carriages; and a depository stacked with all kinds of furniture – a veritable imperial IKEA!
