Way to Russia Talk Lounge

ion · Just Starting Joined: 21 Aug 2006 Posts: 6

I visited the Hermitage website (www.hermitagemuseum.org). In the visitor information section on ticket prices, it says "On the first Thursday of every month museum entrance is free of charge for individual visitors who are not in groups. " Is this true - as in is it the most current information? (I am not calling them a liar Smile

) More importantly, does this apply to foreigners who usually need to pay the higher prices? Pray

Another question is, is it worth buying the day pass(the combination ticket for State Hermitage admittance and three bldgs of my choice)? I am planning to spend almost the whole day there, but am worried I may get fascinated by/in certain area and not get my money's worth.

Rick · Posted: Mon Sep 18, 2006 9:28 am Post subject:

How much would such a day card cost?

In my opinion, the cheapest way might be to take a random piece of plastic in credit card format, with your phoyo on it, out of your pocket and claim you are a student.
As long as they can't read what the actual purpose of the card is, you have a fair chance in Russia. If you look young enough..

Russian students are the most lucky. I find it hard to believe they let foreign visitors in there for free.

overseas_expat · VIP Joined: 11 Jan 2005 Posts: 620 Location: Moscow

No matter how you slice it, the Hermitage is a bargain. I think the normal entrance fee is only about 300 rubles anyway, the same price as a movie. It's beyond awesome; museum overload.

Don't buy a multiple building ticket. If you ran up and down every staircase and corridor you couldn't see the Hermitage in one day, much less other buildings as well.

Be sure you investigate the unrenovated back rooms and lesser areas. That's where they keep all the really interesting stuff. After a while you need a break from all the gold and glitz.

Rick · Posted: Tue Sep 19, 2006 1:44 am Post subject:

Definitely agree with expat: it was worth more than the 300 rubles i paid for it.

ion · Just Starting Joined: 21 Aug 2006 Posts: 6

Thanks, Rick and Expat. While seeking for the best $ deal and the best value for $$ spent, I don't want to feel like I cheated myself out of experiencing Hermitage when I get there. However, I also do not wish/intend to defraud Hermitage with a fake student ID...absolutely not because I cannot pull it off....

Expat, should I expect some hostility when I wander off to unrenovated back rooms? Should I be pretending to be innocent when caught in those areas or are visitors allowed in those areas as well?

Can't wait till I get to see/feel St. Pete and Russia!

siberiamad · Lounge Lizard Joined: 22 Apr 2006 Posts: 124

That student card trick works everywhere BUT the Hermitage - they only accept the ISIC Card as proof of studentship unless you want to see the administrator and be interrogated. The signs outside the Hermitage do indeed say that it is free entry on the first Thursday of each month to individual visitors but as mentioned it is a bargain even at full foreigner price.

G

bofield8 · Just Starting Joined: 11 Dec 2006 Posts: 2

I was told by a dear friend who's been here regularly as a tourist, that you should buy a day tour ticket (200r), then you can decide to go with the tour or wander off on your own. Now if you can only get public support of the museum and just give donations, like the Met in NYC. Actually, yours is much prettier.

give it a shot!

Ciao! Laughing