Hermitage Museum Opening Hours

The Main Museum Complex of the Hermitage (the Winter Palace and adjoining buildings on Palace Embankment) is open six days a week. Closing time depends on the day: on some days the museum closes at 18:00, on others it stays open into the evening.

Opening hours in 2026

• The weekly closed day is Monday. The museum is also closed on 1 January and 9 May.
• The box office and entry close one hour before the museum. Last entry is 19:00 on long days and 17:00 on short days.
• Rooms begin to clear shortly before closing, so head to the more distant displays — such as the Impressionists in the General Staff Building — early.

Best time to visit

The busiest stretch is the early afternoon, roughly 13:00–16:00. For a calmer visit:

• arrive at opening, 11:00, or
• take an evening session on Tuesday, Friday or Saturday — after 17:00 it is usually quieter and the ticket is cheaper.

For more on the quietest hours, days and seasons, see the best time to visit; and how to cover the highlights in limited time in the one-day itinerary.

Other sites

The General Staff Building, Menshikov Palace, the Winter Palace of Peter the Great and the Staraya Derevnya storage facility keep their own schedules, which can differ from the Main Complex. Staraya Derevnya is open by guided session only.

FAQ

What day is the Hermitage closed? Monday. It is also closed on 1 January and 9 May.

What time does the Hermitage open and close? It opens at 11:00. Closing is 20:00 on Tue/Fri/Sat and 18:00 on Wed/Thu/Sun; last entry is an hour before.

Is the Hermitage open on Mondays? No — Monday is the weekly closed day.

This is an unofficial, informational website. Hours and closed days change (including on public holidays and for special events) — confirm them on the official museum website before your visit.