Piotrovsky, Mihail Borisovich

Director of the State Hermitage Museum.

Born December 9, 1944 in Erevan into the family of the outstanding scientist and archaeologist Peotrovsky B.B., who headed the State Hermitage for many years.

Graduated from the Eastern Faculty of Leningrad State University (1967).

From 1991was Deputy Director of the State Hermitage and from 1992- its Director. Scientific concerns are the Ancient and Medieval History of Middle East, Muslim Art and Archaeology.

Participated in archaeological excavations in Central Asia, in the Caucasus, in Yemen.

    Author of more than 150 research works. "Southern Arabia in the Middle Ages", "Legends of the Koran" are among them. Doctor of Historical Sciences. Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Science. Member of the Russian Academy of Arts. Member of the Presidium of the State Prizes Committee. Member of the Presidium of the Russian Committee at UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation). Member of the International Museums Council. Adviser at the European Council. President of the Universal Club of Petersburgers. Awarded the Order of Honour (1997).

Married with daughter and son.