This is a virtual outstation of St. Petersburg's State Hermitage Museum, which owns a great deal of the treasure trove acquired over a period of 3 centuries by Russian czars, including possessions of art-collecting Catherine the Great. Now you don't have to journey all the way to Russia to see some of Europe's great treasures. The exhibitions rotate, and you'll have the opportunity to see such treasures as medals, jewelry, portraits, porcelain, clocks, and furniture from the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg. There are annually rotating "visiting masterpieces" in addition to the other collections. Some items that amused us on our first visit (and you are likely to see similar novelties) included a wig made entirely out of silver thread for Catherine the Great, a Wedgwood "Green Frog" table service, and two Chinese silver filigree toilet sets. The rooms themselves have been designed in the style of the Winter Palace at St. Petersburg. Because this exhibit attracts so much interest, tickets should be purchased in advance. Tickets are available from Ticketmaster at tel. 020/7413-3398 (24 hr.). You can book online at www.ticketmaster.co.uk. Somerset House also contains the priceless Gilbert Collection.