The Winter Palace has a long and complicated history. The construction site was carefully chosen: Peter I wanted to see the Spit of Vasilyevsky Island, the Zayachy Island and the Malaya Neva going into the sea from the window. Georg Mattarnovi began working on the project, and by 1719 he had built the western part of the house. But suddenly the architect died, and his work was continued by other architects.

After the death of Peter the Great, by order of Catherine I, Domenico Trezzini began to expand the palace, changing its appearance. The building was used for a variety of needs of the imperial court, and under Elizaveta Petrovna, a life kamparsky company was placed in it at all. At the end of the 18th century, Giacomo Quarenghi designed the Hermitage Theatre, which has been preserved to this day.

Studies conducted in the 20th century showed that Quarenghi preserved some elements and architectural solutions of Mattarnovi. According to ancient plans and descriptions, the study, dining room, turnhouse and front yard were restored, which are now available for visiting. You can see personal belongings of Peter I from the collection of the State Hermitage, paintings and furniture in them. In the courtyard, the emperor's garden carriage and carnival sleigh — unique carriages of the early 18th century — are exhibited.

The premises of Peter the Great's Winter Palace, located in the Hermitage Theatre, have preserved, albeit partially, their original appearance and atmosphere of that era.

Today, the Hermitage Theatre hosts performances, and exhibitions are held in the lobby.

Visiting the museum is only possible with a guided tour service. The cost is 600 rubles.