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400,000 Russians wait in freezing weather to see art museum

Undeterred by sub-zero temperatures, Russians have been queuing for hours outside a Moscow's Tretyakov Gallery to see a temporary impressionist exhibit.

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An art gallery in Russia has attracted a record number of visitors who have braved the freezing cold weather to see the paintings of a renowned artist on display.

That has prompted authorities to try to keep the visitors warm by setting up a special place for them.

Since the beginning of the exhibition in Moscow’s iconic Tretyakov Gallery in October, the venue has seen over 400,000 visitors. Despite a freezing temperature of minus 14 degrees Celsius, people have rushed to view the paintings of the 19th and 20th century artist, Valentin Serov.

In this photo taken on Sunday, Jan. 10, 2016, visitors look at a painting by Valentin Serov at the exhibition of his works in the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, Russia. The 19th-century Russian impressionist Valentin Serov is best known for his expressive still-life paintings and portraits. A collection of his works are on display at the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, drawing huge crowds of hopeful museum goers. ©AP
Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, and Tretyakov Gallery director Zelfira Tregulova, right, look over an exhibition for the anniversary of Valentin Serov, marking what would have been the artist's 150th birthday, in Moscow, Russia, Monday, Jan. 18, 2016. ©AP

WATCH: Here is a quick review of Valentin Alexandrovich Serov's paintings: