State Russian Museum vs Erarta Museum of Contemporary Art
Quick answer
State Russian Museum and Erarta Museum of Contemporary Art are two of Saint Petersburg's essential museums — both art museums. Here is how they compare on admission, highlights, and time needed. World Museum Guide compares admission, highlights, and time needed side by side — both State Russian Museum and Erarta Museum of Contemporary Art have full visitor guides below.
Saint Petersburg, Russia
State Russian Museum
500 RUB standard admission
⏱ 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 | 500 RUB standard admission | 1,000 RUB standard admission |
| Free entry | — | — |
| 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.
Choose State Russian Museum if…
Choose State Russian Museum for The Last Day of Pompeii and Barge Haulers on the Volga — admission is 500 RUB standard admission. 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.
Visiting both
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 →