Projected art inspired by the Hermitage Museum’s collection is showcased to visitors of “The Magnificent Hermitage” digital exhibition at Oil Tank Culture Park on Monday in Sangam-dong, Seoul. (Sanjay Kumar/The Korea Herald) The Russian Embassy in Seoul is holding an immersive digital exhibition of the Hermitage Museum at the Oil Tank Culture Park, showcasing more than 80 digital works and recreations of the Winter Palace through July 30.The Hermitage Museum, founded by Empress Catherine the Great in the 18th century, is widely regarded as one of the world’s largest and most prestigious art museums, housing millions of artifacts in St. Petersburg’s historic Winter Palace.Held at the transformed Oil Tank Culture Park, "The Magnificent Hermitage" preview event on Monday drew diplomats from over 25 countries, along with artists, journalists and media representatives.Describing Hermitage, Georgy Zinoviev, Russia’s ambassador to South Korea, cited the exhibition as an important cultural initiative and expressed hope for future in-person exchanges.“People of the Republic of Korea will one day have the opportunity to visit exhibitions of masterpieces from the Hermitage and other Russian museums in their original form,” Zinoviev said.“That is a matter for the future, but for now, visitors have the opportunity to experience them here in a virtual format,” he added. Titian’s “Danae” from the State Hermitage Museum collection in St. Petersburg, Russia, is displayed during a preview of “The Magnificent Hermitage” at Oil Tank Culture Park in Sangam-dong, Seoul. The Renaissance masterpiece depicts the Greek mythological figure Danae receiving Zeus in the form of a shower of gold and is renowned for its luminous colors, sensual composition and dramatic use of light and texture. (Sanjay Kumar/The Korea Herald) “Some exhibitions have been held within Russia, but outside our country, this is our first experience,” he said.He also thanked Yoo Min-seok, CEO of Artworks, for bringing the project to life.“It was Yoo’s dream to bring the Hermitage here to Seoul, and I am very happy that this dream, through his diligent work, came true,” the ambassador said.Meanwhile, Lee Dong-won, CEO of MBN Group, said the exhibition highlights the growing importance of cultural exchange in international relations, noting that culture and creative works are increasingly connecting nations and people.