The message reads, in part:
“Throughout her life, Irina Antonova served Russian culture with inspiration, being a devoted expert, enthusiast and educator. Over the years of her tireless and important work, she made a truly unique personal contribution to the development of the museum sector in our country and to the preservation of humanity’s priceless historical and spiritual heritage. She rightfully earned the highest professional and public acclaim.”
Irina Antonova passed away on December 1 at the age of 98.
Irina Antonova was a Soviet and Russian art historian, the winner of the Russian Federation National Award for outstanding achievements in humanitarian activity and the recipient of many Soviet, Russian, French, Italian and Japanese awards. For over 10 years, she served in the top management of the International Council of Museums (ICOM) and was one of the initiators of International Museum Day in 1977.