Since 1991 the Hermitage has run a successful programme for children with special needs of all kinds. This programme is known as "Our Hermitage".

Children are organised into groups and are taken through the Hermitage rooms over a cycle of talks led by specially trained tutors. Most of the museum is covered during the course.

In working with each group of children, particular attention is paid to the nature of individual conditions, age and any relevant other factors, which are all taken into account when compiling each cycle.

Groups come from special schools, rehabilitation centres and children's homes and they are accompanied by teachers, psychologists or parents. Methods used within the programme have been developed specifically to develop the children's perceptions and creative abilities. The tours take the form of a dialogue between the children and their guide and include the use of role-play and artistic activities. At the end of each year the children take part in a grand concert in the Hermitage Theatre, based on topics covered during the tours.

All staff undergo training with child psychologists and psychiatrists before embarking on the programme and work is monitored by the Hermitage psychologist at all stages, with visits to schools and children's homes. The psychologist then passes on any recommendations to staff, who incorporate any necessary changes into the teaching methods.

Enquiries:
tel. 007 812 710-96-73
fax. 007 812 571-87-56
Larisa Shostak, Methodologist
e-mail:shostak@hermitage.ru

During the visit to the Hermitage

Children drawing in the Museum rooms after the excursion

The Annunciation
Nastya
11 years old

The Virgin with Child
Ira
10 years old