The Friends of the Hermitage Museum Association (Italy) was founded in Palazzo Vecchio (Florence) on 4 July 2012, in the presence of the Director of the Hermitage, Prof. Mikhail B. Piotrovski, as an integral element of the International Hermitage Friends' Club. Its primary objectives are the protection and promotion of the extraordinary artistic heritage of the famous Sanpietroburghese museum (with particular regard to Italian art) and the strengthening of cultural ties between Italy and Russia. To pursue this goal it produces exhibitions, publications and events and organizes seminars, conferences and trips. In addition to strictly artistic activities, the Association proposes itself as a qualified partner for the development of exchange opportunities between Italy and Russia also at an economic, tourist level and in the field of research and new technologies for cultural heritage. segue
In these increasingly difficult and inscrutable moments we received this significant letter from the Director of the Hermitage Mikhail Piotrovsky: Dear Friends, The world has gone mad, and it will never be the same again. Things that are happening right now are unfathomable, they should never happen... Yet we must keep calm in this madness, because our mission of protecting cultural bridges between the nations has become even more important than ever. It is for us to keep this fragile connection between people, help the nations listen to each other and get back to dialogue instead of violence. Our coordinated efforts will be needed to help culture survive through turbulent times. And here, our personal relations are important. Friendship is tested in difficult times. And I thank you all for your friendly feelings towards the Hermitage. Mikhail Piotrovsky and colleagues
The traveling exhibition "Art awakens the soul" organized together with the Autism Association of Florence and the cultural association "Immaginario" has had great success in Italy and Russia. The cultural association "Immaginario" has made a beautiful documentary to illustrate all the stages of the exhibition in Italy.