On March 4, 2025, a remarkable event in Brussels’ cultural life took place—the first meeting of the new project “Hermitage Evenings,” organized by the State Hermitage Museum in collaboration with the Russian House in Brussels. This unique project allows audiences worldwide to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of one of the largest museums on the planet without leaving their homes.

The theme of the first evening, “The Imperial Hermitage,” gave participants the opportunity to explore the history of the museum and its majestic interiors. Virtual visitors followed the route once taken by foreign diplomats in the 18th and 19th centuries, starting from the Ambassadorial Staircase and ending in the Grand Throne Hall. During the tour, participants could not only admire the magnificent ceremonial halls but also learn about the creation of the collections that are the pride of the Hermitage.

The General Director of the State Hermitage Museum, Mikhail Borisovich Piotrovsky, welcomed the audience with an opening speech, emphasizing the importance of such events in promoting cultural heritage and expanding the boundaries of the museum space.

The main tour program was conducted by Elena Nazarian, an employee of the Hermitage’s scientific and educational department, who provided detailed insights into significant artifacts and the history of the museum. At the end of the video tour, viewers had the opportunity to ask Elena questions, making the event more interactive.

The “Hermitage Evenings” project is designed for a broad audience: broadcasts are conducted in Russian with simultaneous translation into French, making them accessible to people from different countries. Future meetings will introduce participants not only to the museum’s permanent collection but also to temporary exhibitions, allowing them to delve deeper into the spirit of this encyclopedic collection of world art.

Topics will include:

– A family-friendly tour of the Hermitage;

– Ars Vivendi: Frans Snyders and the Flemish still life;

– OTMA and Alexei: The children of the last Russian Emperor;

– Easter in Russia;

– The art of Dutch masters;

– Italian Renaissance painting;

– Traditions of celebrating Christmas and New Year in Russia, and many more.

The upcoming editions of “Hermitage Evenings” promise equally exciting journeys through the halls of the famous museum and captivating stories about its collections. Stay tuned for announcements and join the virtual tours to discover the masterpieces of the Hermitage in a new format!