The Hermitage in One Day

You cannot see the whole Hermitage in a day — there are millions of objects and hundreds of rooms. But in 2–4 hours you can see the essentials if you follow a planned route and don’t try to see everything. Below is an efficient order through the state rooms and masterpieces on the first floor, with options for “if you have more time”.

Where to start

• Buy a ticket for an early or evening session to avoid the midday peak (the busiest time is 13:00–16:00); see opening hours.
• Pick up the free map at the entrance; the points below use room numbers.
• Go up the Jordan (Ambassadors’) Staircase (Room 1) — the most impressive start. (Not sure how to reach the museum? See how to get there.)

The highlights route (2–3 hours)

1. Jordan Staircase (Room 1) — the ceremonial entrance to the Winter Palace.
2. Field Marshals’ Hall (Room 193) — the start of the Great Enfilade.
3. 1812 War Gallery (Room 197) — over 300 portraits of the heroes of the Napoleonic war.
4. St George (Great Throne) Hall (Room 198) — the empire’s main throne room.
5. Malachite Room (Room 189) — an imperial drawing room clad in Ural malachite.
6. Pavilion Hall (Room 204) — the famous Peacock Clock. Tip: it is wound on Fridays at 19:00 — don’t miss it if you’re there.
7. Leonardo da Vinci room (Room 214) — two Madonnas: the Litta and the Benois (part of the Italian Renaissance collection).
8. Rembrandt room (Room 254) — the Return of the Prodigal Son and Danaë.

If you have more time

• Impressionists and Post-Impressionists (Monet, Matisse, Van Gogh, Gauguin) are in the separate General Staff Building across Palace Square (own ticket).
• The Gold Room and Diamond Room — by guided session only; book ahead.
• Ancient Egypt (Room 100) and classical antiquity — on the ground floor.

Make the most of it

• Don’t try to see everything — pick 6–8 stops and stick to the route.
• Use the audio guide to navigate and learn about the works; preview the rooms in the virtual tour.
• See distant spaces (the General Staff Building) early, while you have time and energy.
• For something lighter, read about the Hermitage cats.

FAQ

How long do I need at the Hermitage? To see the highlights, 2–4 hours; for an in-depth look at one or two sections, a full day.

What should I see first? The Winter Palace state rooms, the Peacock Clock (Room 204), Leonardo (Room 214) and Rembrandt (Room 254).

Is one day enough? For an overview of the highlights, yes. You cannot physically see the entire collection in a day.

This is an unofficial, informational website. Some rooms may be closed for renovation or rotation — check availability on the official museum website.