Things to Do at Hermitage Museum
Complete Guide to Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg
About Hermitage Museum
What to See & Do
Jordan Staircase and State Rooms
The grand marble staircase and ceremonial halls like the Malachite Room showcase imperial Russian grandeur at its peak - honestly, they're as much of an attraction as any artwork
Leonardo da Vinci Collection
Two authentic Leonardo paintings including the 'Benois Madonna' - considering there are only about 15 confirmed Leonardos worldwide, this is genuinely remarkable
Impressionist and Post-Impressionist Gallery
An incredible collection of French masters including Monet, Renoir, Cézanne, and Van Gogh, largely assembled by Russian collectors in the early 20th century
Peacock Clock
An 18th-century mechanical masterpiece that still works - on Wednesdays you can actually watch the peacock spread its tail and the rooster crow
Ancient Gold Collection
Scythian gold artifacts and treasures that require a separate ticket, but the craftsmanship from 2,000+ years ago will likely leave you speechless
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Tuesday-Sunday 10:30-18:00, Wednesdays until 21:00. Closed Mondays. Last entry 1 hour before closing
Tickets & Pricing
Main collection around 700 rubles (about $8-10), with discounts for students. Book online to skip lines. Special exhibitions and Gold Room require separate tickets
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings or Wednesday evenings tend to be less crowded. Winter months are actually ideal - fewer tour groups and the palace feels more atmospheric
Suggested Duration
Plan for at least 3-4 hours for highlights, though you could easily spend a full day. Most people get museum fatigue after about 4 hours
Getting There
Things to Do Nearby
The vast square right outside the museum, dominated by a towering granite column - it's one of those spaces that makes you feel pretty small
About a 10-minute walk away, this colorful onion-domed church looks like something from a fairy tale and marks the spot where Tsar Alexander II was assassinated
Saint Petersburg's main boulevard is perfect for wandering, with cafes, shops, and street life - it's where locals actually go about their daily business
If you're not museum-ed out, this focuses specifically on Russian art and gives you a different perspective on the country's artistic heritage