The restoration of the Eastern Wing at the State Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg, Russia is set to be complete by 2014.

The Eastern Wing previously belonged to the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation will be used for exhibiting art of the 19th-21st century.

Located in the General Staff Building, the restoration project is a result of joint initiatives of the State Hermitage and the government of the Russian Federation. The project is financed by the government and by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (The World Bank).

The concept, comprising 800 rooms, was designed by the Hermitage and developed by Studio 44 Architectural Workshop.

The project's objective is to provide the museum with large exposition facilities, create convenient conditions for work for employees and storage of items, preserve and make available for visitors the entire ensemble, which existed in the 19th century.

The wing will include a display zone featuring restored historical interiors - parade halls of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Empire and private apartments of the chancellor count K. Nesselrode.

The first phase is complete and included reinforcing foundations, walls, floors, creating engineering services and a roof boiler.

The second and final stage will be complete in time for the museum's 250th anniversary in 2014.