In a twist that feels more like a scene from a satirical play than real life, the Hermitage Museum found itself at the center of a sartorial scandal. Two young women, dressed to the nines, were reportedly turned away at the door by a cashier who deemed their attire "too glamorous" for the hallowed halls of the museum. The incident, which quickly spiraled into a public debate, has drawn sharp criticism from lawmakers and cultural commentators alike.
Vitaly Milonov, a prominent member of the State Duma, didn’t mince words when addressing the issue. "The cashier had no right to deny entry based on assumptions about their appearance," he stated, his tone dripping with indignation. "If they were turned away for being unkempt or wearing dirty clothes, I’d understand. But for being too well-dressed? That’s absurd."
Milonov went on to suggest that the incident could be resolved amicably, with the museum extending an olive branch—or perhaps a golden ticket—to the women, inviting them back to admire the works of Titian and Rembrandt in peace. "People visit the Hermitage to celebrate art and culture, often dressed in their finest. This should be encouraged, not penalized," he added.
Rumors swirled that the cashier suspected the women of planning a commercial photoshoot within the museum’s opulent interiors. A covertly recorded conversation added fuel to the fire, revealing the cashier’s concerns about potential disruptions. In response, the museum swiftly closed its main entrance, conducting a thorough sweep of exhibition halls and service areas. No suspicious items were found, and visitors were redirected to the Shuvalovsky Passage entrance.
The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the role of dress codes in cultural institutions. Should museums enforce strict guidelines, or should they embrace the diversity of their visitors’ self-expression? The Hermitage, a symbol of Russia’s rich artistic heritage, now finds itself navigating a delicate balance between tradition and modernity.
As the dust settles, one thing is clear: the Hermitage’s halls may house centuries of art, but its policies are firmly rooted in the present—and sometimes, even the present can be a little too dramatic.
