February 05

On February 5, 1852, Tsar Nicholas I inaugurated the New Hermitage in Saint Petersburg. Designed by Leo von Klenze, the museum featured state-of-the-art exhibition halls. It housed European masterpieces from the Roman era to the Renaissance. The opening marked a shift toward public cultural engagement in Imperial Russia. Early visitors admired works by artists such as Raphael, Rembrandt, and Titian. The Hermitage's growth would eventually make it one of the world's premier museums.

On this day in 1913, Claudio Monteverdi’s last opera L'incoronazione di Poppea received its first modern theatrical performance since 1643. Originally premiered in Venice, the work had been largely forgotten until its 20th-century rediscovery. The revival sparked renewed interest in Baroque music and historically informed performance techniques. Poppea’s rich drama and innovative harmonies influenced composers and scholars for generations. The 1913 staging is credited with reviving Monteverdi’s reputation and reshaping opera programming.

On February 5, 1919, four of Hollywood’s greatest figures—Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, and D.W. Griffith—joined forces to launch United Artists. Their goal was to give filmmakers creative control and financial independence from the major studios. This bold move empowered artists to distribute their own films and retain profits. United Artists produced groundbreaking works, including Chaplin’s classics and Pickford’s hits. The company’s establishment marked a turning point in the evolution of film production and distribution, shaping modern Hollywood. It remains a symbol of artistic entrepreneurship in cinema.