Equality of the nations is about to be introduced in the Russian capital: Moscow authorities have finally decided to put a stop to discrimination against foreigners visiting the city’s museums.

Until now, the admission fee for foreign culture vultures has in many top attractions been much higher than that for Russians. 

But the question is, will the new fees go with the higher price – or the lower one? 

The decision to make culture equally accessible to all was announced by Sergey Kapkov, the newly appointed head of Moscow’s Culture Department, who has already scored himself the enviable reputation of a liberal-minded rational official.

“The initiative to equalize admission fees for Russians and foreigners is a sensation. You can’t even imagine how long the market has been waiting for it to happen!” Kapkov enthuses. Moscow’s Committee on Tourism and the Hotel Industry is said to have jumped at the idea. Committee head Sergey Shpilko says the “discriminating practice has stood in the way of the development of tourism” in Moscow for way too long.

Kapkov also announced that museum opening hours could be extended until 9 pm, so “those who work and tourists who need to catch a train, have time to go visit a museum.”

“We’re ready to use all possible means to promote Moscow as a center for tourism. All its cultural events and festivals must be placed not only on the cultural, but also on the tourist map of Moscow," the city’s culture head added.