This date was chosen nominally, in the memory of Catherine the Great, who in 1764 purchased a collection of West-European paintings, which became the origin if museum's collections. That is why the Hermitage's birthday was, at the sixth time, celebrated on St. Catherine's Day. Several presents had been prepared for visitors: the August's Hall and the Hall of British Art have been opened after restoration with new permanent expositions; and an internet centre has started its work in the Rastrelli's Gallery of the Winter palace.

Photo by Anna Fedotova, Interpress

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