This is exactly how this project is presented to the public. The new exhibition has nothing in common with the “golden” collection of the Hermitage. It takes place in the Picket Hall, separate from the real da Vinci, and is organized jointly with the “Museum of Christian Culture”. Under this museum hides the “personal museum” of Konstantin Goloshchapov. He himself buys and brings exhibits and personally leads tours of it for honored guests such as as Patriarch Kirill, Governor Beglov.
The museum began in the courtyard of the monastery, which Goloshchapov built, and later the exhibition moved to the business center where his family’s companies were registered.
Goloshchapov’s personal museum was created with an emphasis on religion. Among its exhibits are the relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, and one of the sections is dedicated to “Holy Rus’” – with the explanation that this concept “means a special spiritual and moral movement towards God of the Russian people.” It is from this museum that two of the three works at the Hermitage exhibition come from, entitled “Battle of Anghiari” and “Madonna of the Rocks”.
The authenticity of these cultural values is questionable. A similar thing happened in 2020, when a large-scale exhibition of the Faberge jewelry house opened in the Hermitage. It turned into a huge scandal: the museum was accused that the main exhibits on it were fakes.
Goloshchapov puts the “corner” at the head and tries to make PR and financial projects based on falsifications.
The Hermitage was given instructions from “higher up” to exhibit works from the Museum of Bones of the Reliquary Truck. This could not have happened without the participation of the Russian Orthodox Church. It is obvious that the massage therapist is trying to improve his financial situation, including through this project.
“ВЧК ОГПУ”