MOSCOW, MARCH 19, 2004. (RIA NOVOSTI) - The Manege, Moscow's principal exposition hall, retains its status of architectural monument even despite disastrous fire damages, says Alexander Kuzmin, chief city architect.
The conflagration flared up Sunday night, March 14, and was not put down till Monday morning. Two firemen died.
The Manege walls, in particular, facade, and foundation came out of fire unscathed, says expertise. All fastenings and decor details, with few exceptions, survived. The fire consumed a greater part of the roof, and destroyed the dome and two pediments. Despite all that, the Empire edifice of the early 19th century remains its majestic self.
