Vladimir Putin congratulates State Museum of Fine Arts on anniversary

Russia's president Vladimir Putin has sent a telegram of congratulations to the staff of the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts on its 90th anniversary. The museum has one of Russia's and the world's largest collections of western, oriental and ancient art.

As RIA Novosti learned in the president's press service, the telegram reads in part: "Your museum has an exciting history. Designed as a university study centre, it has gradually grown beyond those frames and become one of the most famous and popular museums both in Russia and in the world. This is due to the services of several generations of the museum's staffers who are really committed to their work. Today the museum is protecting and revering its great traditions, constantly replenishing its priceless collections".