Putin noted that Antonova devoted her life to a high, noble mission - to preserve the invaluable cultural and spiritual heritage.
“By right, they have gained undeniable authority as a brilliant professional, an outstanding representative of the domestic and world museum community, as a tireless enthusiast and ascetic, infinitely devoted to his chosen business,” the president’s message says.
In October 2019, Irina Antonova, in an interview with the Zvezda TV channel, shared her memories of working as a nurse in a hospital on Krasnaya Presnya during the Great Patriotic War.