On 10 November 2005 the Press Service of the State Hermitage issued the following statement. The State Hermitage informs the public that Hermitage Director Mikhail Piotrovsky has sent a letter to the Chairman of the Committee on Culture dated 9 November.2005 in which he reconfirms his earlier agreement (20 August 2005) to join the Organizing Committee of the Film Festival and expresses his hope that this “will help to find a solution to the problem which does honor to the city. For this to happen it is essential that the new version of the Regulations Governing the Use of Palace Square, which was prepared some time ago, finally be adopted. Delays in this matter are becoming a matter of concern not only for the Hermitage but for the general public as well.” Mikhail Piotrovsky also restated his categorical opposition to the idea of building cinema halls on Palace Square.

Several weeks ago, the Hermitage tried to help find a solution suitable for the city and agreed to house cinema halls in the courtyards of the Eastern Wing of the General Staff complex. A few days ago representatives of the fire brigades looked over these courtyards and expressed their preference for courtyard N3. The Hermitage and the organizers of the festival reached an agreement on holding a joint press conference as the best means of public discussion of the issue. The Hermitage prepared a plan for a joint press conference and sent it to the press service of the festival. The festival organizers have ignored these measures and agreements. What followed was a number of interviews and also an announcement about a separate press conference with topics including - "Palace Square after all!".

The State Hermitage is shocked by this unusually unintelligent approach to a discussion. It is becoming clear that all talk about "culturologists," "European character" etc. - is nonsense. What we face is trading in the historical image and “brand” of Palace Square. This is disheartening. If Petersburg loses its spirit, style and good taste, then that is sadder than the decrepit state of its roads and buildings.

The State Hermitage believes that the manner in which the organizers are treating the Museum raises a question about its Director’s expression of agreement to participate in the work of the film festival’s Organizing Committee.

At present the State Hermitage and its permanent partners in the world of high culture are preparing for public discussion proposals on a series of cultural events worthy of our city and of Palace Square.