HERMITAGE AMSTERDAM

Description

Essentials about the Hermitage Amsterdam in brief

The Hermitage Amsterdam is the world’s largest branch of the world-famous art museum Hermitage in Saint Petersburg. The permanent exhibitions focus on the relationship between the Netherlands and Russia. However, most visitors come for the popular temporary exhibitions, in which art objects from the Hermitage in Saint Petersburg are displayed in Amsterdam for several months.

The history of the Hermitage Amsterdam

The cities of Amsterdam and Saint Petersburg have always had a special historical connection, as at the end of the 17th century Tsar Peter the Great spent a few months in Holland to study shipbuilding. Because of these historical ties, it was only natural to establish an offshoot of the Saint Petersburg Hermitage in Amsterdam.

The Hermitage Amsterdam opened in 2009 and is housed in a historic building called the Amstelhof, right on the river of the same name next to the famous Magere Brug. The house has served as a residence for senior citizens since it was built in 1683. In 2007, the Amstelhof became the property of the city of Amsterdam.

The exhibitions in the Hermitage Amsterdam

The Hermitage Amsterdam shows the relations between the Netherlands and Russia and the history of the Amstelhof in two permanent exhibitions. However, most visitors come for the unique temporary exhibitions, which are usually on view for six months. All of the art objects on display come from the Hermitage in Saint Petersburg.

In addition to the exhibition spaces, the Hermitage Amsterdam also houses rooms for other activities such as studies or concerts. There is also a museum library and a restaurant.