The first question of the interviewer to the director of the Tretyakov Gallery Valentin Rodionov (1993–2009) is about his career. An architect by training, a government and political figure, he believes that heading a museum is a very honorable and responsible position. Rodionov recalls the most essential events of his directorship, such as the opening after restoration of the main building in Lavrushinsky Lane and the restoration of the Church of St. Nicholas in Tolmachi and transferring there of an Orthodox sacred image – “The Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God” – from the Old Russian Art room of the Gallery. Memorable events include the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Gallery, the unique exhibition project “The Golden Map of Russia” and the acquisition of the paintings “Haymaking” by A.G. Venetsianov and “View of Fort Picu on the Island of Madeira” by K.P. Brullov.
Key words: V.A. Rodionov, director of the Tretyakov Gallery, museum renovation, projects for the 150th anniversary of the Tretyakov Gallery, “The Golden Map of Russia”, “Haymaking” by A.G. Venetsianov, “View of Fort Picu on the Island of Madeira” by K.P. Brullov.