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The Hermitage Theatre, commissioned by Catherine II, was built from the design of the architect Giacomo Quarenghi in 1783-1787. The building is distinguished by harmony and balance of architectural forms and is a beautiful example of the Russian Classicism of the late 18th century. The rusticated windows of the ground floor are decorated with key-stones with lion masks - the favourite motif of Quarenghi. The well-proportioned columns at the level of the first floor are flanked by projectures with statues of playwrights and poets of Ancient Greece in the niches. A wonderful architectural impression is produced by the view of the Hermitage Theatre and the Hermitage bridge next to it with the arch across the Winter canal.