Our mission

Concrete support for the greatest museum in the world

The Association of Friends of the Hermitage Museum Italy was founded in Florence, in Palazzo Vecchio, on 4 July 2012, in the presence of the Director of the Hermitage, Prof. Mikhail B. Piotrovsky, as an integral part of the International Hermitage Friends’ Club.

Its main goals are the protection and promotion of the extraordinary artistic heritage of the famous Saint Petersburg museum, with particular attention to Italian art, and the strengthening of cultural ties between Italy and Russia. To pursue these aims, the Association produces exhibitions, publications and events and organises seminars, conferences and trips.

Read the Association’s story
What we do
01

Restoration

Fundraising for the restoration of works held in the museum, with particular regard to those by Italian artists.

02

Exhibitions

Organising exhibitions in Italy and Russia, from curation to the loan of works, and managing new donations.

03

Trips and events

Conferences, concerts, seminars, lectures and cultural trips reserved for members, in Italy and in Saint Petersburg.

04

Publishing

Publishing, catalogues and scholarly publications devoted to the collections and to the dialogue between the two countries.

Catherine Palace, Tsarskoye Selo
Trips and exhibitions

A museum that closes its doors, and opens them to its Friends

Every year, on the occasion of Hermitage Day, the Association organises its traditional trip to Saint Petersburg: a unique opportunity to visit the palaces and treasures of the Tsars, enriched by the enchanting Hermitage Friends Gala Evening.

The welcome is private and exclusive: the Museum closes its doors to the public and opens them only to members of the Associations that represent it around the world.

Discover the programme
The State Hermitage Museum

Three centuries
of collecting

Founded at the wish of Catherine II as a “hermitage” adjoining the Winter Palace, the Hermitage today holds masterpieces from Leonardo and Titian to Matisse and Picasso.

Visit the museum
3 mln
Works in the collection
1764
First core of the collection
1852
Opened to the public
Leonardo da Vinci, Madonna Litta
Leonardo da Vinci, Madonna Litta · State Hermitage Museum
Henri Matisse, Hermitage collection
Henri Matisse · Hermitage collection
Become a member

Three ways to support the Hermitage

All members enjoy numerous benefits: privileged access to the Hermitage Museum and to events promoted by the Association and its partners — exhibitions, conferences, concerts, gala evenings, exclusive visits, cultural trips.

01

Hermitage Friend

For those who wish to take part in the life of the Association and enjoy all the benefits reserved for members.

Join
02

Supporting Friend

Contributes part of the fee to the restoration of the museum’s works and receives the electronic card issued by the Hermitage, with official listing in the museum’s registers.

Join
03

Private Member

For those who wish to give the greatest support: meetings with business operators, coordinated communication initiatives and free participation in training conferences.

Join
Partners and affiliations
The State Hermitage Museum
The State Hermitage Museum
Hermitage Friends’ Club
International network
Saint Petersburg Academy of Fine Arts
in Florence
Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi
Supporting member