The exhibition in the Foyer of the Hermitage Theatre is devoted to the history of the "field hospital for lower military ranks" which existed in the Winter Palace during World War I. The materials presented in the exhibition (photographs, documents, memoirs) are, with few exceptions, originals and date from the time when the hospital existed.
A large hospital unit with surgical facilities and room for 1000 patients was organized with the permission of Emperor Nicholas II and his family. It occupied all of the state rooms of the Palace except for St George's Hall. The opening of the hospital took place on 10 October 1915.

The soldiers' hospital in the Winter Palace was like no other. It was situated in the imperial residence. It was equipped with the last word in science and technology of the time and the most advanced methods of medical treatment were used.

The hospital existed for two years. Following the February Revolution, it remained in the Winter Palace, where it continued to occupy the state rooms. On 27 October 1917, following the storming of the Palace, the wounded were sent to other field hospitals. On 28 October, the hospital was disbanded and this last page in the history of the Imperial Winter Palace was turned.

- Around the Square from the series The Christmas Present
23 December 2005 - 19 March 2006.

An exhibition of the unique collection of Russian Avant-Garde in porcelain opened in the Winter Palace. This exhibition in the series The Christmas Present was prepared by the Museum of Porcelain department of the State Hermitage with the participation of the Imperial Porcelain Factory OJSC. The exhibition presents around 250 works of porcelain and 15 sketches from the period between 1918 and the mid-1930's.