The Hermitage museum in St Petersburg is one of the world’s greatest art centers. Six large buildings on the Palace embankment house some 3 million items, including the largest collection of paintings in the world.

When we visited several years ago I was dismayed by the lack of first-rate maintenance for these facilities. Outside of the buildings weeds were growing. Inside some walls revealed peeling paint. However, the displays of priceless treasures seemed to be intact.