Visit a new photo exhibition near Cosmos hotel

The photo exhibition is being held on the ground floor or the hotel, between Kalinka restaurant and the Marble hall. The event is dedicated to the 10th anniversary of Charles de Galles monument on the square of the same name in front of Cosmos hotel.

The monument was opened on the 9th of May, 2005 by Vladimir Putin and ex-president of France Jacques Chirac. French veterans of the Second World War were present at the ceremony. The monument was designed by architect Alexander Kuz’min and by sculptor Zurab Tsereteli. The 8-meter bronze statue of de Galles stands on the 10-meter granite pedestal.

The background

The monument was primarily created by Tsereteli as a gift for France. But French people decided to return it back to its creator. The statue of de Galles wearing uniform was later put on the pedestal near Cosmos hotel. The monument has quickly become a symbol of friendship between Russia and France.

Charles de Galles (1890-1970) was the head of France since 1959 to 1969. He was the leader of the Résistance during 1940-1944. During his time in power France left NATO and enhanced cooperation with the USSR.