Hermitage Amsterdam
One of the most impressive and important museums in Russia, the Hermitage boasts a priceless art and antiques collection. As Amsterdam has a strong connection with St. Petersburg, the city is honoured to be home to a branch of this dazzling museum. Here’s why it really is From Russia with Love at Amsterdam’s Hermitage Museum.
The collection of the State Hermitage in St. Petersburg, Russia includes more than three million works of art, artefacts and archaeological finds collected over nearly 250 years. Part of the State Hermitage’s 350 rooms are housed in the Winter Palace, the breathtaking former residence of Russian emperors. The Hermitage Amsterdam is graced with outstanding exhibitions of items from this enormous collection. But of course an impressive building was needed to do this staggering collection justice – and Amsterdam’s Hermitage does not disappoint!
The Hermitage Amsterdam building
For 324 years, the present Hermitage Amsterdam building served as the Amstelhof home for the elderly. When the residents were moved to more comfortable quarters and the building was renovated, the Hermitage Amsterdam opened in July 2009. The outside of the building has hardly changed since it was unveiled back in 1683 - a strong building standing proudly on the banks of the Amstel river. Inside, however, everything is new. The interior is stark, sober and contemporary and this provides the perfect backdrop to showcase the museum’s dazzling treasures.
The Russian connection
What few people know is that Tsar Peter the Great spent an extensive period living in Amsterdam. During his time he learnt about boat building and how the Dutch live with the water. St. Petersburg (from Pietersburgh in Dutch) is actually built in emulation of Amsterdam – complete with Dutch windmills and wooden piles in the muddy ground to support the buildings. The resource centre at the Amsterdam Hermitage offers information about the history of Russia, Russian-Dutch relations, the Hermitage in St. Petersburg and the history of Amstelhof.
Feel like a Tsar for a day
In addition to wonderful exhibitions, regular musical performances and a sterling Hermitage for Children programme, the Hermitage Amsterdam also boasts the Neva Restaurant. This contemporary venue with beautiful garden views and a large covered terrace offers Russian-inspired dishes until long after the museum closes (01:00 am). As it’s within walking distance of the Muziektheater and Theatre Carré, the restaurant also offers a special before or after-theatre dinner menu, meaning you can certainly feel like a Tsar for a day!
Experience the Hermitage Amsterdam – a museum with dazzling exhibitions fit for a Tsar.
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