Irina Antonova, the director of the museum, told journalists on Monday that this is an important event in the cultural life of Russia, which confirms the museum's long and close relations with Italy.
Andrea Rigoni, a representative from Tuscany, pointed out that the exhibit would be devoted to ancient Italy and the mysterious civilization of Etruscans, who had "made history not because of wars and military glory, but because of their peculiar history." The Etruscans had a great influence on the culture of other peoples, primarily on ancient Rome. According to Mr. Rigoni, the exhibit, as well as other similar events, "emphasizes the importance of Russian culture on the European continent." He said that cultural exchanges contribute to better understanding between the two peoples.
The exhibit mainly contains archaeological pieces from well-known Italian museums. The best examples of Etruscan art will be brought to Moscow, said Luca Fideli, a representative of the Tuscany archaeological department. Most of the pieces have already been shown in the United States and China, but the Moscow exhibit will be larger.
