The palace’s permanent exhibits form the major constituent of the Russian Museum’s collection, with works spanning from icons of the 12th century to avant-gardist movements of the early 20th century. Among which include masterpieces such as Karl Brullov's The Last Day of Pompeii, Hovhannes Aivazovsky's The Ninth Wave and Repin’s monumental Ceremonial Sitting of the State Council. The Benois Wing of the palace, which was constructed between 1914-1919, is the home of the museum’s more modern works and hosts permanent collection of the late 19th - early 21th century art and temporary exhibitions.

For visiting the Mikhailovsky Palace and the Benois Wing and exhibition "Ilya Repin. To the 175th Anniversary of the Artist's Birth" It is not possible to purchase tickets on the site. Tickets only at the ticket office of the Benoit Wing and at the ticket office of the Mikhailovsky Palace