State Russian Museum vs Erarta Museum of Contemporary Art: which should you visit?
Quick answer
Choose State Russian Museum for The Last Day of Pompeii and Barge Haulers on the Volga — admission is 700 RUB. Choose Erarta Museum of Contemporary Art for The Bathers and Composition with Lenin — admission is 1,000 RUB standard admission. State Russian Museum: 700 RUB, allow 2–3 hours; Erarta Museum of Contemporary Art: 1,000 RUB, allow 2–3 hours.
Saint Petersburg, Russia
State Russian Museum
700 RUB (Mikhailovsky Palace); 1,000 RUB including the Benois Wing
⏱ 2–3 hours
Saint Petersburg, Russia
Erarta Museum of Contemporary Art
1,000 RUB standard admission
⏱ 2–3 hours
Side by side
| State Russian Museum | Erarta Museum of Contemporary Art | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Saint Petersburg, Russia | Saint Petersburg, Russia |
| Museum type | Art Museum | Art Museum |
| Admission | 700 RUB (Mikhailovsky Palace); 1,000 RUB including the Benois Wing | 1,000 RUB standard admission |
| Free entry | Children under 7 free · Free for listed concession groups only · No general free day | — |
| Time needed | 2–3 hours | 2–3 hours |
| Closed | Tuesdays | Tuesdays |
| Standout works | The Last Day of Pompeii; Barge Haulers on the Volga | The Bathers; Composition with Lenin |
| Good for | Art Lovers, History Enthusiasts, Rainy-day visits | Contemporary Art Fans, Art Lovers, Repeat Visitors to St Petersburg |
Facts from our verified data file (last verified 2026-06-30) — confirm on each museum's official site before travelling.
Should I visit State Russian Museum or Erarta Museum of Contemporary Art?
Choose State Russian Museum if…
Choose State Russian Museum for The Last Day of Pompeii and Barge Haulers on the Volga — admission is 700 RUB. Allow 2–3 hours.
Choose Erarta Museum of Contemporary Art if…
Choose Erarta Museum of Contemporary Art for The Bathers and Composition with Lenin — admission is 1,000 RUB standard admission. Allow 2–3 hours.
Can you visit both State Russian Museum and Erarta Museum of Contemporary Art in one day?
Both are in Saint Petersburg. Their suggested visits (2–3 hours and 2–3 hours) fit into one full day if you start early. Note closures: State Russian Museum closes on Tuesdays; Erarta Museum of Contemporary Art closes on Tuesdays.
State Russian Museum guide → Erarta Museum of Contemporary Art guide →