State Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg

The renowned State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg (Russia) is undergoing considerable technical and managerial change, not only to bring it in line with other leading museums in the world but also to gain independence from the once all-embracing State which met its financial needs until recent years. At the same time, the management of the Hermitage is determined to ensure that this venerable institution keeps pace with the toll of time and the inevitable deterioration it brings to the infrastructure.

First and foremost, it has grand schemes for the buildings of which it is composed, to acquire more space to exhibit a greater part of its vast collections: for instance, by installing its Impressionist and modern paintings and a Museum of Decorative Arts in its General Staff Building, and building and equipping new restoration and storage facilities. It also seeks to improve visitors' access, e.g. by building a new entrance through the Winter Palace courtyard and restoring numerous galleries.

UNESCO was called upon by the Russian authorities in 1993 to become an active partner with the Museum in realizing its ambitious Master Plan since the State was gradually withdrawing from its role of provider due to its commitment to transition for the country. Apart from seeking to assist the Hermitage in its plans for reconstruction and for the extension of its galleries, for which it has hired expert architectural services to draw up plans and computerized elevations, UNESCO has also added a further dimension to the original Master Plan by completing it with other priority areas needing attention, identified during early assessment missions.