The world's largest collection of Russian art lives in the magnificent Mikhailovsky Palace, a neoclassical masterpiece designed by Carlo Rossi and originally built for Grand Duke Michael Pavlovich. Established by Nicholas II in 1895 in honor of Alexander III, the museum spans a thousand years of Russian artistic achievement, from medieval icons and Rublyov's luminous panels through to Repin, Malevich, and Kandinsky. The Benois Wing houses 20th-century works and temporary exhibitions. With over 400,000 pieces in total, it dwarfs the Hermitage's Russian holdings, yet draws far fewer visitors. Plan at least two to three hours, and don't miss the stunning collection of avant-garde art from the early Soviet period.