An outpost of the Hermitage St Petersburg state museum in Russia, which is renowned for its magnificent and extensive art collection, Museum Hermitage Amsterdam is a showcase of the historical ties between the two cities. Here you'll find a selection of treasures from Hermitage St Petersburg on display and carefully curated exhibitions to pique your interest.
A home for the elderly for 324 years, the former Amstelhof became the new home of the Hermitage Amsterdam in 2009 and underwent a makeover with separate architectural treatments for the building, interior and grounds. While the scale of the exhibition space is a little on the small side, the quality on display is not. Hermitage Amsterdam is currently hosting 75 paintings and numerous personal objects and drawings of Vincent Van Gogh while the Van Gogh Museum undergoes renovations. Vincent: The Van Gogh Museum in the Hermitage Amsterdam showcases early and later works of the renowned Dutch artist in thematic context until April 25, 2013.
Also on display at Hermitage Amsterdam is the Peter the Great exhibition until September 13, 2013, which examines the relationship between Russia, Netherlands and Amsterdam. Major trading partners since the Golden Age, Peter the Great was inspired by Amsterdam's canals to found the city of St Petersburg thus forging a strong relationship that lasted centuries. This major exhibition not only acknowledges the Hermitage Amsterdam's status as the only European satellite museum of the famed Hermitage St Petersburg, but also celebrates Peter the Great as the tsar who ushered Russia into the modern age.
Hermitage Amsterdam is a 15-minute bus trip and walk from Centraal Station. Take the 355 bus and alight at Rembrandtplein then walk five minutes to Hermitage Amsterdam. Admission for adults is €15 and free for children up to age 17.
