An exhibition, dedicated to the problem of saving marble and bronze statues across Russia from destruction, has opened at the State Institute of Restoration in Moscow. Today statues can be destroyed within 20 or even just 10 years.

Restorers call this phenomenon “marble plague.”
Natural powers such as rain, snow, wind can be harmful to treasured monuments, situated in the open air.
The photography report shows how deadly micro-organisms can be, in damaging monuments and tombstones in Moscow and other cities.

Some of the monuments, such as the one to Minin and Pozharsky at Moscow's Red Square opposite the cathedral of St. Basil the Blessed, are reported to be in an urgent state of repair.

Scientists say there is another threat to artifacts apart from micro-organisms and wind – tourists, carving their names and swear words on works of art.