Key events of the discussion program of the IV St. Petersburg International Cultural Forum will be held at the exhibition center of the State Hermitage Museum, the General Staff Building at Palace Square, 6/8.

The East Wing of the General Staff Building of the Hermitage Museum has traditionally been hosting important international business and cultural events. It is rightfully considered the main museum venue for contemporary art shows.

The General Staff Building was built in 1820-1830 according to the project by Karl Rossi, a renowned Russian Classicism architect.The dominating element of the General Headquarters Building is the Arch of Triumph, built in honor of Russia’s victory in the Patriotic War of 1812. A sculpture of a chariot drawn by six horses is located on top of the arch. Statues of warriors, high reliefs of flying Geniuses of Glory and military armaments were made after Rossi’s drawings by Russian architects of the early 19th century S. Pimenov and V. Demut-Malinovsky. The architectural composition consists of three interrelated arches, decorated with bas-reliefs and serving as an entrance onto the square from Nevsky Prospekt. The central part of the building with rich sculptural decor stands out against the background of a plain facade.

During the IV St. Petersburg International Cultural Forum the East Wing will present key section events: round table discussions, workshops and creative meetings. The preliminary version of the Forum agenda can be found in the Program section of the website .