The State Hermitage Museum: Information

Extract from the Rules for Visitors to The State Hermitage Museum

A ticket to The State Hermitage Museum permits a single visit to the Museum on the date indicated on the ticket.
No more than four tickets will be sold to a single visitor.
Concessionary categories of visitors must acquire a concessionary ticket by presenting a document confirming their right to the relevant concession (passport, pension book, student pass etc). A list of concessionary categories is displayed at Museum ticket offices.
Amateur photography/video is permitted only to holders of a special ticket, which can be acquired at ticket offices or from ticket machines.
The coloured sticker issued with the ticket must be clearly displayed.
Wedding or other costumed photography/video is permitted only on payment of the necessary fee at Museum ticket offices.
Entry tickets and tickets permitting amateur photography/video must be presented to Museum employees whenever requested.
Unused tickets can be returned for 100% of their cost price.
The rules governing the return of tickets are displayed on stands in the Museum Vestibule.
All outdoor clothing - fur coats, coats, raincoats or outdoor jackets - must be handed in at the cloakroom.
All large hand baggage - bags, small rucksacks and cases, umbrellas - must be handed in at the cloakroom. Large rucksacks and suitcases, sporting equipment or musical instruments larger than 40 x 40 x 20 cm are not permitted on Museum territory and will not be accepted in the cloakroom.
If a visitor causes damage to the Museum (objects, interiors or buildings) compensation will be paid in accordance with a sum established by an expert commission.

Visitors are forbidden:

To touch Museum objects or elements of the interior, to lean on or against column bases, pedestals etc.
To go beyond barriers marking off areas closed to visitors.
To be under the influence of alcohol, drugs or other toxic substances.
To smoke.
To carry liquids in containers of any kind, including bottled drinks.
To be accompanied by animals of any kind.
To bring any food or drink onto Museum territory, except in the cafe located in the Rastrelli Gallery.
To use flash photography.
To take photographs/video in temporary exhibitions.
To take professional photographs/video without the prior agreement of the Museum administration.
To conduct any activities or demonstrations addressed to the wider public or, without the prior permission of the administration of the State Hermitage Museum, hold any socio-political, theatrical, religious or other events, the purpose of which has nothing to do with viewing and studying the Museum displays.

The full text of the Rules for Visitors to The State Hermitage Museum, approved by the General Director of The State Hermitage Museum, Mikhail Piotrovsky, on 28.4.2012, is viewable on request. Please, ask for it Museum administrators in the Main Vestibule.