On 18 May 2004, International Museum Day, State Awards of the Russian Federation were presented to employees of the State Hermitage at a festive ceremony in the St. George Hall (Large Throne Room) of the Winter Palace.

Honorary badges "For Achievements in Culture" were conferred on:
A.Yu. Alekseev, Director of the Department of Archeology of Eastern Europe and Siberia and doctor of historical sciences;
A.I. Bantikov, Director of the Laboratory for Scientific Restoration of Objects of Applied Art;
Zh. S. Vyaznikovtseva, researcher in the "Treasure Gallery" section;
L.M. Ershova, Deputy Director of the Educational Department;
V.Yu. Matveev, Deputy Director of the State Hermitage for Exhibitions and Development, doctor of art history;
E.N. Mironova, chief accountant;
V.A. Kalinin, Director of the Numismatics Department;
V.A. Fedorov, Dierctor of the Department of History of Russian Culture;
V.I. Khovanova, art restorer in the Laboratory for Scientific Restoration of Graphic Art;
E.A. Chekhova, art restorer in the Laboratory for Scientific Restoration of Architectural Monuments.