Rockin' the Gateway to the Winter Palace: State Hermitage Museum's Reopening
Daily influx of approximately 4,000 visitor footprints graces one of the world's most expansive museums.
Get ready to tread the halls where emperors once walked - the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia, is back in business! After a lengthy pandemic pause, folks are once again flocking to the museum to soak up the grandeur of its 3.1 million art collection pieces, comprising a mind-boggling variety of paintings, graphics, sculptures, and more. And the folks running the show have gone all-out to ensure it's a safe, enjoyable experience for all!
The party's just getting started, with 4,000 visitors skipping by its doors each day - a number still shy of its summertime high of 22k, yet a grand step forward from the pandemic-induced almost-zero visitors of yore [source].
Mikhail Piotrovsky, the museum's dashing director, made the announcement recently during a sit-down with BBC Radio 3. Looking to lure in even more admirers, he's spurring discussions with museum sponsors and patrons to consider waiving entry fees for schoolkids, students, and senior citizens, aiming to restore the museum's foot traffic closer to pre-pandemic levels.
With nationwide tensions reaching an all-time high, the museum's unifying spirit stands tall amid it all. It's serving as a magnet for people from all walks of life, bringing together Russians and foreign visitors alike. Take, for example, the exhibition of renowned Chinese artist Zhang Huan - the very first show opened after the pandemic, and a powerful symbol of unity and collaboration.
The museum, steeped in history dating back to 1764, is well worth the visit whether you're a history buff, art connoisseur, or just looking to soak in some culture. Its ten buildings, including the main complex on Palace Embankment, the Eastern Wing of the General Staff on Palace Square, the Menshikov Palace, the Museum of the Imperial Porcelain Factory, and the restoration and storage center "Staraya Derevnya," house a whopping 542 exhibition halls.
Yearning for some virtual museum action? Fear not! The Hermitage keeps its digital audience engaged with virtual tours and exhibitions to boot.
Keen to learn more about the museum's visitor policies, entry fees, and special events? Swing by the official State Hermitage Museum website for all the juicy details! And who knows - you might find a secret deal for free admission to schoolkids, students, and the elderly!
The State Hermitage Museum, with its vast art collection spread across ten buildings, is enticing visitors to immerse themselves in its rich history and diverse culture. To make the museum more accessible, discussions are underway with sponsors and patrons to potentially waive entry fees for schoolchildren, students, and senior citizens, encouraging a wider range of individuals to partake in this cultural lifestyle experience at home and garden, included in the museum's expansive home-and-garden setting.
