Imperial life and ceremonial halls, the backstage of palace life and secrets of the Winter Palace's architecture. How to make a visit to the Hermitage truly meaningful? Why do some halls stay in memory for a long time, while others seem to fly by? The answers to these questions will be provided by the lecture series "What to See in the Hermitage?". The first lecture of the series will be dedicated to the Winter Palace - the main residence of the Russian emperors. It will discuss not only the ceremonial interiors and halls but also what everyday life was like within these walls: where food was prepared, how security was organized, who lived in the apartments, and how the rooms looked before and after the famous fire of 1837. Visitors will learn about the historical events associated with specific halls, how the appearance of the palace changed over time, and what happened behind the scenes of imperial life. Don't forget to register. We know what to see in St. Petersburg.