Putin presented the Hermitage Director General with the Order for Merit to the Fatherland, First Class

Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg presented Order "For Merit to the Fatherland" I degree to Director General of the Hermitage Mikhail Piotrovsky. This became known on December 24.

The head of the museum was awarded for "a great contribution to the development of national culture and art, many years of fruitful activity"

"Now you have become a full cavalier of this order. <...> Undoubtedly, this is a symbol of recognition of your enormous contribution to the development of national culture and the preservation of its rich heritage," Putin said.

The President, accompanied by the Director General of the museum, also toured some of the halls of the New Hermitage. The Russian leader visited the Dionysus Hall, the Roman Court, the Jupiter Hall, as well as the Great Vase Hall and the Twenty-Column Hall.

Chief at the exhibits: Mikhail Piotrovsky - 80

What path the Hermitage Director has traveled and to whom he may pass his post

On December 9, Piotrovsky turned 80 years old. He was congratulated on the anniversary by Putin, he noted the enormous contribution that the Hermitage director has made to the development of the museum business in Russia. In addition, he called Piotrovsky's many years of work as head of the museum an example of heroic service to people and the Fatherland.

Piotrovsky became head of the Hermitage in the 1990s. According to him, at that time it was a difficult time, when there was no money and there were attempts of commercial seizure. However, under him, the museum expanded, the General Staff Halls were restored, storage facilities were built, and branches were opened in the regions and abroad.