The relics in the Hermitage of the culture of classical antiquity include a very rich collection of vases, carved stones, jewellery and terra-cotta, a rare collection of Roman portrait busts, and examples of Greek sculpture.
The latter is represented in the Hermitage, as in the majority of museums in the world, primarily by first – third century Roman copies from Greek originals, most of which were lost even in antiquity.
The following exhibitions are open to view:
The Art and Culture of Ancient Greece: 800-100 B.C.
The Art and Culture of Ancient Towns on the Northern Black Sea Coastlands: 700 B.C.-3rd century A.D.
The Art and Culture of Ancient Italy and Rome: 700 B.C.- 4th century A.D.