Hermitage Director Urges Gazprom to Scrap Skyscraper Plan in St. Petersburg

One of Russia’s most respected cultural custodians yesterday urged gas giant OAO Gazprom to drop its plans to build a 300-metre-high skyscraper in St. Petersburg’s historic centre.

Mikhail Piotrovsky, director of the world renowned State Hermitage Museum, said if the skyscraper is built it will wreck the “unique aura” that brings millions of tourists each year to the city know as the “Venice of the north.”

Mr. Piotrovsky is a formidable opponent even for Gazprom, a state-run monopoly worth US$260-billion.

The project, called “Gazprom City,” has provoked a storm of criticism. The building will be only about 24 metres shorter than the Eiffel Tower.

Popularity: 11% [?]