In a twist that could rival a modern-day fairy tale, two friends found themselves turned away from the grand halls of the Hermitage in St. Petersburg—not for lack of tickets, but for being too glamorous. The museum's staff, it seems, mistook their elegant attire for a covert commercial photoshoot.
The duo, dressed to impress, approached the ticket counter only to be met with an unexpected hurdle. The cashier, convinced that their chic outfits were a ruse for an unauthorized photoshoot, demanded a hefty fee of 10,000 rubles. Despite their protests and the absence of any professional photography gear, the cashier stood her ground, leaving the friends stranded at the gates of one of the world's most renowned museums.
When journalists reached out to the Hermitage for an explanation, the response was as abrupt as it was telling—the phone was slammed down. This incident raises questions about the museum's policies and the fine line between enforcing rules and alienating visitors.
This isn't the first time the Hermitage has been in the spotlight for its unconventional decisions. Recently, the museum was the backdrop for a high-profile marriage proposal, adding a layer of irony to its latest controversy. As the Hermitage continues to be a stage for both art and drama, one can't help but wonder: what's next?
