10 HANDY Russian phrases for museums

1. “Где находится вход в музей?” [“Gde nakhoditsya vkhod v muzey?”] – “Where is the entrance to the museum?”

When you arrive in the area, but can't find the main entrance. Large museums often have several entrances – ask for the main one.

2. “Где купить билеты?” [“Gde kupit bilety?”] – “Where can I buy tickets?”

For buying entrance tickets. In big museums, the ticket office might be in a separate building or floor.

3. “Сколько стоит входной билет?” [“Skolko stoit vkhodnoy bilet?”] – “How much is the entrance ticket cost?”

Ask for the price. Many museums offer discounts for students, children and/or seniors.

4. “Есть ли аудиогид на английском?” [“Yest li audiogid na angliyskom / moyom yazyke?”] – “Is there an audio guide in English?”

Most major museums now offer audio guides in several languages. Ask at the information desk or ticket office.

5. “Где взять аудиогид?” [“Gde vzyat audiogid?”] – “Where can I get an audio guide?”

Audio guides are often at a separate rental desk, usually near the entrance. They usually require a deposit or ID.

6. “Можно фотографировать?” [“Mozhno fotografirovat?”] – “Can I take photos?”

Some museums allow photos to be taken without flash, some forbid it entirely. Ask first to avoid getting stopped. 

7. “Когда начинается экскурсия на английском языке?” [“Kogda nachinaetsya ekskursiya na angliyskom yazyke?”] – “When does the English-language tour start?”

Many major museums offer guided tours in English at specific times.

8. “Можно присоединиться к группе?” [“Mozhno prisoedinitsya k gruppe?”] – “Can I join the group?”

If you see a tour group and want to tag along. Usually, you need to pay or register first, but it's worth asking.

9. “Где находится сувенирный магазин?” [“Gde nakhoditsya suvenirny magazin?”] – “Where is the souvenir shop?”

Almost every museum in Russia has a souvenir shop. Ask before you leave – and get some postcards, books, replicas or magnets!

10. “В какое время закрывается музей?” [“V kakoye vremya zakryvaetsya muzey?”] – “What time does the museum close?”

Always check closing time to avoid being rushed out or missing the last ticket sale.

And remember, you can always plan your dream trip to Russia on the ‘Discover Russia’ portal!