The Moscow Kremlin State Historical and Cultural Museum and Heritage Site (The Moscow Kremlin Museums) imparts awarding of Director General Elena Gagarina with the title of Officer of the Legion of Honour.
The solemn ceremony of awarding of E. Gagarina with the Legion of Honour took place on February 9, 2015 at the Embassy of the French Republic in Moscow. The Director General of the Moscow Kremlin Museums was awarded by the decree of the President of the French Republic.
This decision recognizes the distinction merits of the Moscow Kremlin Museums under the direction of E. Gagarina in the organization of the Russian-French exhibition projects that have been realized both in Russia and in France. This, first and foremost, implies the important role of the Moscow Kremlin Museums in the exhibition "Holy Russia" in the Louvre, held in 2010 within the cross-cultural year of Russia and France. Unique pieces from the Museums’ collections were provided for this exhibition. Besides, the exhibition “The Art of René Lalique” was organized by the Moscow Kremlin Museums in 2010-2011 as a part of the activities within the cross-cultural year of Russia and France. The exhibition was the first large-scale display of the great French artist’s unique works. Additionally, the exhibition “Poiret - King of Fashion” took place in 2011-2012. It was dedicated to amazing genius of the Paris fashion designer, who at the dawn of the XXth century, formulated and embodied the revolutionary concept of women's clothing and had a significant impact on the formation of modern taste.
The award ceremony was held by the Ambassador of France in Russia Jean-Maurice Ripert. The Ambassador noted in his speech that E. Gagarina initiated a number of significant exhibitions, which have deeply impressed visitors. "Since the beginning of its existence, the award has been encouraging the highest achievements both in the military or civil field. You deserve it with your whole career, the role you have played in strengthening the ties between our countries in the cultural sphere," he said.
E. Gagarina mentioned that recognition of the Moscow Kremlin Museums’ achievements in the cultural domain is very important for the Museums as well as for her personally. “It’s a great honour for me to be awarded with such a significant order of the French Republic. We are sure to continue collaborating with our French colleagues. And in the nearest future we are undoubtedly going to make you glad with new interesting projects,” she emphasized.