ST. PETERSBURG, December 24. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has noted the contribution of Director General of the State Hermitage Museum Mikhail Piotrovsky to world culture and his principled civic stance.

The head of state mentioned this when bestowing upon Piotrovsky the Order for Merit to the Fatherland, first class. A decree on bestowing the award was signed two weeks earlier, on Piotrovsky’s eightieth birthday. The head of the State Hermitage Museum now has the full set of Orders for Merit to the Fatherland.

"You rightfully are among outstanding representatives of domestic and world culture. And I will particularly note that you remain a person with a principled civic stance," Putin said.

The president congratulated Piuotrovsky on his birthday. "Glad to be able to do so in person. And, what is particularly pleasant, award you with the Order for Merit to the Fatherland, first class, here, at the State Hermitage Museum.

The head of state pointed out that the award symbolizes the recognition of Piotrovsky’s enormous input in the development of domestic culture and preservation of its abundant heritage. "This year, our country’s museum community is marking the 260th anniversary of the State Hermitage Museum to which you dedicated many years of your life and productive research and creative activities. And indeed, largely thanks to your talent, energy, knowledge, capabilities of the State Hermitage Museum have substantially expanded," the president noted.

He pointed out that today, the Hermitage is a modern museum complex implementing interesting, daring and promising research, creative and educational projects. "It rightfully enjoys enormous love and popularity with visitors," Putin added.