JEWISH TREASURES OF THE HERMITAGE MUSEUM
IN ST. PETERSBURG

Discovering Jewish Stories Hidden in Masterpieces

What secrets do the famous paintings whisper about Jewish life, history, and identity?
The Hermitage is one of the world’s greatest museums - a place where you can get lost for days among breathtaking masterpieces. But what if I told you that behind many of these famous works of art hide incredible Jewish stories, symbols, and mysteries that most visitors never notice?

Join me for a two-part virtual journey through the Hermitage Museum, where we’ll explore its art collection through a fresh and fascinating Jewish lens.

August 25, Part I: Old Masters & Hidden Jewish Meanings.
We’ll walk through the majestic, empty halls of the Hermitage museum in St. Petersburg and look closely at the paintings of of European old masters.
Did you know that some Italian Renaissance artworks display Hebrew inscriptions? We’ll uncover what these texts can tell us about Jewish life in Italy centuries ago.
We’ll meet the unforgettable Jewish portraits painted by Rembrandt and speak about the unique impact of this artist over the Jewish self-identity.
Together, we’ll reveal subtle Jewish motifs, untold stories, and artistic hints that are often overlooked, even by seasoned visitors.

August 27, Part II: From Monet and Pissarro to Matisse and Picasso - Jews in the World of Modern French Art
In the second part of our tour, we’ll step into one of the finest collections of French avant-garde art outside of France. From Monet’s delicate water lilies and Pissarro's rainy Parisian streets to Picasso’s bold Cubist visions - these works reflect not just artistic revolutions but also the lives, dreams, and struggles of Jewish patrons, dealers, and artists who shaped European art in the early 20th century.
You’ll hear stories of Jewish art connoisseur who built the world’s most iconic collections, of artists whose Jewish identity influenced their creative journey, and of forgotten figures whose legacies live on within these masterpieces.

This is not a typical museum tour. It’s a personal invitation to walk through the Hermitage with your private Jewish guide.
To slow down, look deeper, and discover hidden meanings in world-famous artworks.

Whether you’ve visited the Hermitage many times or have always dreamed of going, this virtual experience will let you see it in a way you’ve never imagined.