1996: By decree of Russian President Boris Yeltsin the State Hermitage is under the direct patronage of the President of the Russian Federation

In accordance with a decree of Russian President Boris Yeltsin dated 18 December 1991, the State Hermitage was included in a list of particularly valuable elements of the national heritage. A decree of 12 June 1996 placed the State Hermitage under the direct patronage of the Russian President.