Photo credit: The State Hermitage Museum Press Service
The director of the State Hermitage Museum Mikhail Piotrovsky celebrates his 75th anniversary on December 9, St. Petersburg TV channel reports. He heads the largest Russian museum for more than a quarter century.
During the time that Mikhail Piotrovsky spent at his post, the Hermitage Museum opened to the whole world. Each year, four and a half million visitors come to its halls. Museum collections hold three million historical artifacts and art rarities.
The Hermitage is expanding its presence around the globe. Cultural and exhibition centers operate in various Russian regions and European countries. Thanks to this, many people have been able to get acquainted with the masterpieces of art from the collections of the museum.
The future director came to the Hermitage in 1991, continuing the Piotrovsky dynasty. His father led the museum for about a quarter of a century.
Piotrovsky is an honorary citizen of St. Petersburg. His activities were awarded not only by Russia, but also by Italy, Finland, the USA, France, and other countries.
The anniversary of Piotrovsky coincided with another, larger date. Two days ago, the Hermitage celebrated the 255th anniversary of its founding.
The President of Russia Vladimir Putin congratulated Mikhail Piotrovsky on his anniversary. He highlighted the huge contribution of the hero of the day to the preservation of the rich historical, cultural, spiritual heritage of Russia. According to him, the work of Mikhail Piotrovsky is aimed at strengthening international cooperation in the field of culture. The head of state has no doubt that the diverse, multifaceted ascetic work deserves the deepest recognition.
Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko also sent their best wishes to Piotrovsky.
Russkiy Mir
