SAINT LOUIS
AND RELICS OF THE SAINTE-CHAPELLE

It is for the first time that stained glass from the Sainte-Chapelle left France. This suggests high degree of trust in the relations between people and cultures of Russia and France. This is a unique exhibition, which is related to the epoch of one of the most famous French kings – Saint Louis IX. He became famous not only as a sovereign, but as a protector of the religion, commander, knight, and what is most important, as a patron of science and art. Thanks to him, the exhibits from the collections of various French museums, including the Louvre, left France for the first time in hundreds of years.

The exhibits on display are a thrill to the Russian public. Saint Louis is an extraordinary figure in the history of the world. He is a man who initiated particular attention to morality and spirituality in a system of government and authority. And the attitude to him in the world history is absolutely special. This exhibition gives an opportunity to get close to his deeds, with the relics he collected, – which is a unique chance.  This display is sure to delight plenty of people.

This is indeed an unprecedented display, presenting exceptional items that had never left France before, related to Saint Louis, a contemporary of Alexander Nevsky.

This unique exhibition certifies that particular high degree of trust, which has been forming for ages and over the past decades in Russian-France relations. This is an excellent gift of the Moscow Kremlin Museums to the art- and history-lovers.

French people present Russian people a paragon of beauty – stained glass of Sainte-Chapelle has left France for the first time in history. I’m very pleased that a thousand-year history of France and its European roots can be demonstrated in Russia.

The display in Moscow as it is is astonishing. In particular, the fragments of stained-glass windows from the Sainte-Chapelle, that had never leaved France before. Only imagine – they had been 'asleep' in bureaus' drawers and had never been on display before. Only three years ago they were restored and travel abroad for the first time straight to Russia. The exhibits certify that King Louis mobilized all resources of painters, artisans, jewellers of France and Europe in whole in order to create masterpieces of the same standard as the Sainte-Chapelle itself. I assure you that the items presented at the exhibition arrow an overwhelming desire to see the entire work of St Louis.

The display of the greatest achievements of French culture of the Middle Ages is indeed a historical event for Russia and France. It would contribute to strengthening mutual understanding and friendship between peoples. It is remarkable that the exhibition is held on the 300th anniversary of the first visit of Peter I to France, and on the 300th anniversary of establishing Russian-French diplomatic relations. During his visit, Peter the Great got acquainted with French culture and art; therefore it is not improbable that he could have visited the Sainte-Chapelle and seen the exhibits presented here at the exhibition.

It is symbolic that the 'Saint Louis and Relics of the Sainte-Chapelle' exhibition connects the hearts of our capitals by “moving” the palace from the Cité island to the Moscow Kremlin. We are celebrating a vast culture association between France and Russia, which had been forming for millenniums. Not only cultural, but also industrial ties connect our countries. An industrial cooperation which has been uniting ENGIE and Gazprom for more than 40 years is the best illustration. Our partnership exceeds the limits of industrial cooperation, and today’s exhibition is a spectacular example of that.

Congratulations to the Kremlin Museums on a fascinating exhibition. These are unique exhibits and they are very difficult to take out of France and put on display. I am excited that here are items both from France and the Hermitage's rich collection. It seems that a large number of visitors of the exhibition have a unique opportunity to see the objects from museums' depositories, which are rarely displayed. It is a very interesting journey into the Middle Ages, to the epoch when medieval gothic France flourished. And I think that it’s a very rare event for the Moscow audience.

This exhibition is the finest example of cultural cooperation and political confidence between the two states. Only absolute trust allows countries to loan such precious pieces as presented at the exhibition in the Kremlin. There are special culture ties between our countries, which have a centuries-long history, and these ties are a counter to any political collision. This display is one and only, it’s an absolute masterpiece. It must be conceived slowly. And what is of importance, it is accompanied by an excellent catalogue describing the history of these items. For example, an amazing crown-reliquary from Liège is presented at the exhibition. It is remarkable for being a reliquary of the Crown of Thorns.

It is for the first time when I have been looking forward to the exhibition opening with such an excitement. I’m pleased that the Hermitage stood with other museums and gave the exhibits from its collection on loan. The ivory pieces, even of a later time than the epoch of St Louis, are a valuable addition for the exhibition.