The State Hermitage Museum, Twenty-Column Hall | St.Petersburg, Russia

The Twenty-Column Hall of the New Hermitage, originally created to display antique vases from the Imperial Museum, retains its original purpose. Architect Leon von Klenze conceived the hall's decor so that it would harmoniously match the exhibition. Two rows of monolithic columns made of Serdobol granite give the hall the appearance of a Greek temple.

The column capitals, coffered ceiling and walls decorated with paintings in which motifs from antique vases can be discerned create a unique atmosphere. The floor, made using the stone mosaic technique, also refers to ancient traditions. Cabinets made of Karelian birch and amaranth were specially designed to display the vases.

The exhibition includes a collection of ancient Italian art dating from the late 9th to 2nd centuries BC. The main focus is on vases from Etruria and areas of Southern Italy. This unique collection allows for a deeper understanding of the cultural traditions of ancient civilizations.