RODIMTSEVA IRINA ALEXANDROVNA (02.01.1934–23.11.2017) 
1987-1992 – Director of the State Museums of the Moscow Kremlin, from 1992 - "The Moscow Kremlin" State Historical and Cultural Museum and Heritage Site

Irina Alexandrovna Rodimtseva was born in Moscow on 2 January 1934, into the family of Colonel-General Alexander Ilyich Rodimtsev (1905-1977). In 1956, she graduated from the Faculty of History at Lomonosov Moscow State University.

After completing her studies, she began working at "The Moscow Kremlin" State Historical and Cultural Museum and Heritage Site, where she progressed from a tour guide to the position of director.

From 1961 to 1962, Irina Alexandrovna engaged in extensive scientific and educational activities, making significant contributions to the study of the history of the Moscow Kremlin. She was entrusted with accompanying delegations at the highest government level. She actively participated in the creation of the exhibition for the Museum of Applied Arts and Daily Life of Russia of the 17th century at the Patriarch's Palace.

In 1967, I.A. Rodimtseva was appointed Scientific Secretary of the museum. Her work in this role greatly contributed to the establishment of the museum as a leading centre for the study and promotion of objects of national artistic culture and art.

In 1977, the museum nominated Irina Alexandrovna for membership in ICOM. From 1976 to 1977, at the request of the Ministry of Culture of the USSR, she worked in the exhibition hall of the Soviet Embassy in Paris. That same year, she headed the "Armoury Chamber" department, focusing all her efforts on creating a new thematic and exhibition plan for the museum.

In 1978, I.A. Rodimtseva was transferred to the Ministry of Culture of the USSR, where she headed a department and, from 1983, the museum management. She successfully directed and coordinated the work of the country’s museums, being an initiator and participant in the establishment of new museums and exhibitions.

In 1987, Irina Alexandrovna returned to the State Museums of the Moscow Kremlin as director. In 1990, the museum was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, and in 1991, it was added to the Register of Particularly Valuable Objects of National Heritage of Russia. That same year, with her involvement, the museum received the status of a State Historical and Cultural Museum and Heritage Site. This period became very significant in its history.

For many years, Irina Alexandrovna served as Vice-President, and in 1994, she was elected President of the Russian National Committee of ICOM, undertaking an extremely important mission to unite the efforts of museums in Russia for the preservation and enhancement of national cultural heritage. In this capacity, she gained recognition from the international museum community. Irina Alexandrovna is the author of numerous publications and works on the history of the Moscow Kremlin and museum collections.

In recognition of her contributions to museum affairs, I.A. Rodimtseva was awarded the title of "Honoured Figure of Arts of the Russian Federation" (1989), she received the Order of Friendship of Peoples (1993) and the "Veteran of Labour" medal (1988), the Order for Services to the Fatherland IV Class (1997), as well as honorary certificates from the Ministry of Culture and the Central Committee of Trade Unions.