On 22 December, 2000 the New-Year Party was held in the Hermitage Theatre for the children with problems of physical or mental development. For a number of years these children have been visiting the exhibitions of the State Hermitage within the framework of the programme known as Our Hermitage. Once every year they become the actors of the theatre performances. Scenarios, costumes and scenery decorations for the performances reflect the knowledge and impressions the children acquire in the Museum. They also get a chance to perform their artistic skills, to play the roles of the heroes from different works of art, to feel the atmosphere of another epoch through costumes, scenery decorations, music and poetry. The Party was held in the splendid interior of the court theatre founded by Catherine the Great in the 18th century. The auditorium for 300 seats is filled up with children, their teachers and parents. The scenario for this year performance is based on the Russian folklore fairy tale Snow-Maiden. For the second time this festival is organized in the Hermitage Theatre together with the Coca-Cola company financially supporting the work of the School Centre with the children with special needs of all kinds.

The Peacock Clock
Julia
8 years old

The library of Emperor Nicholas II
Misha A
6 years old

Athena
Larisa
11 years old