Russia's Hermitage Museum Director Praises Egypt’s GEM, Calls for Cultural Cooperation

Mikhail Piotrovsky, Director of Russia’s Hermitage Museum and adviser to President Vladimir Putin, has hailed Egypt’s Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) as “a global cultural landmark,” expressing his eagerness to visit Cairo soon to witness its long-awaited opening.

“It will be my great pleasure to visit Egypt in the near future to see the Grand Egyptian Museum — this magnificent global cultural event,” Piotrovsky said. “I would also be delighted to establish cooperation between the Hermitage Museum and the Grand Egyptian Museum.”

Piotrovsky made the remarks during a meeting at the Hermitage in St. Petersburg with Sherif Gad, President of the Egyptian Association of Graduates of Russian and Soviet Universities, Secretary-General of the Egyptian-Russian Friendship Association, and Director of Cultural Activities at the Russian House in Cairo.

He congratulated the Egyptian leadership and people on the completion of the long-awaited museum, calling it “a cultural triumph that will strengthen Egypt’s position as a world tourism destination.”

He added that the GEM “presents modern Egypt with great strength” and “has become an icon among the world’s museums.”

“The opening of the museum is a dream that has come true through Egyptian hands,” Piotrovsky said, noting that the transfer of 45,000 artifacts, including treasures of Tutankhamun and Akhenaten, represents an unprecedented achievement in museum history.

He described the museum not only as a cultural institution but also as “a landmark of Egypt,” situated beside the Great Pyramids — the only remaining wonder of the ancient world.

“The whole world will look toward Egypt on Nov. 1, celebrating this historic achievement,” he added. “As Director of the Hermitage, one of the world’s leading museums, I look forward to fostering cooperation between our two great institutions.”

During the meeting, Sherif Gad thanked Piotrovsky for his warm reception and praised his mastery of the Arabic language and his deep affection for Egypt. He highlighted that the Hermitage includes a dedicated "Egyptian Antiquities Hall" , which attracts significant interest from Russian visitors.

Gad also recalled his long-standing connection with the Piotrovsky family, noting that he worked as an interpreter for Piotrovsky’s late father — the former Hermitage Director — more than 35 years ago. “He once said during a visit to Cairo that if he lived longer, he would create another Egyptian hall because Egypt deserves more than one,” Gad remembered.

He joined Piotrovsky in supporting the idea of formal cooperation between the Hermitage and the Grand Egyptian Museum, expressing confidence that Egypt’s Ambassador to Russia, Hamdy Shaaban, will play a key role in strengthening cultural ties between the two institutions.