Magically transported to St Petersburg's Hermitage Museum in the early 1700’s, a contemporary filmmaker and a cynical 19th Century French diplomat become accomplices in an extraordinary journey through Russia’s turbulent past to the present day. As they explore the splendid corridors and salons of the Palace, the two men witness astonishing scenes from the Tsarist Empire. The Hermitage is the Russian Ark, affectionately guarding art and history until the world sees better days.

Digitally shot with a state-of-the-art high definition steadican and featuring a masterfully orchestrated cast of 2000, Russian Ark is destined to stand as a defining moment in cinema history.