Traces the remarkable history of Catherine the Great's influential art collection and creation of the Hermitage, discussing how her cultural goals were part of a long-term plan to modernize and westernize Russia.

Part One: Extreme makeover. This heavy thing ; The brightest star of the North ; The ambrosia of Asia ; Collecting debut ; Building frenzy ; My falcon, my golden pheasant -- Part Two: Russia is a European nation. A monument to Peter and to you ; Make peace with your enemy ; My prodigal son ; The Saxon Richelieu ; The earth and sea trembled -- Part Three: War and love. Queen of feasts ; Dressed to "empress" ; Peace offerings ; Crozat the poor ; The coachman of Europe ; Tiger in the forest -- Part Four: Peace and prosperity. Sleepless nights ; Anglomania ; A crowd and not a city ; Breaking the mold ; Brother Gu ; Cateau and the hermit of Ferney -- Part Five: A second Rome. Cat and mouse ; Raphaelism ; Sashenka ; Palladio's shadow ; The Greek project -- Part Six: Empire building. Mother of the Fatherland ; A rose without thorns ; The Master of Neuwied ; An accidental Michelangelo ; Slings and arrows ; Baby Hercules -- Part Seven: War and revolution. Center stage ; Cameo fever ; Russia's paradise ; Betrayals ; French madness ; Curtain call -- Part Eight: Reaction. Tears and despair ; A ticking clock ; Warsaw's ours ; Catherine's library ; Queen of the world ; Joined in death -- Part Nine. Legacy. A son's revenge ; Art-loving grandsons ; The end of the line ; Raiding the Hermitage ; Preservation.