Cats at The Hermitage, St Petersburg

Last month I was able to fulfil my dream of visiting St Petersburg and the Hermitage.

During my visit to the Hermitage I noticed several cats sunning themselves in one of the courtyards, they seemed well kept and happy there.

After the visit I came across an article in the Newsletter from the Hermitage that states in part:

……According to Mikhail Piotrovsky, cats have become a very important part of the Hermitage life and one of the most significant museum’s legends. The first cat appeared at the Winter Palace during the reign of Peter the First. The emperor himself brought him from Holland….. Nowadays the Hermitage courtyards and cellars are a special world. About 50 cats live here guarding the Hermitage masterpieces from mice and rats. Museum employees, they stand guard 24 hours a day. For their efforts they receive food, medical care, and respect of workers and visitors of the museum. The Hermitage employees donate money for the cats. Twice a month, anyone who wants to help can make a payment to the cat’s fund. “The Fund of the Hermitage Cat’s Friends” arranges different events and exhibitions dedicated to the whiskered and hairy guards, which also helps to raise necessary money…..

Elisabeth