Hermitage requires 850 thousand rubles

In March 2024, during a visit to an exhibition at the Hermitage, Alexander Drobyshev sat on one of the chairs where the throne of Emperor Paul I is located, and accidentally damaged it. According to the museum, as a result of the throne's seat falling onto the cushion, the seat collapsed, the velvet fabric of the upholstery tore, and the bench's upholstery was damaged. In response to the incident, the museum demanded compensation of 850,000 rubles from the visitor. The museum noted that such measures are provided for the protection of collection objects.

Context

The throne of Paul I is one of the oldest Russian monarchical chairs and is kept at the Hermitage as an important cultural and historical object.